As Malaysians, we should support our local film industry. As the minister of culture pointed out, many countries like Korea and Thailand have import tariffs to protect their local film industries.

But he fails to point out that these countries also increase funding to their local film industry, thus increasing the quality of films, and improving the industry in general. (There is some cross- subsidising of revenues from foreign movies to local ones).

Today, both Korea and Thailand export their movies worldwide. The key to their success is not the import tariffs, but having a cultural policy that both funds the film industry and encourages the creativity of talented people.

Korea imposes a quota of 40% local films in cinemas. That means, 40% of the time, cinemas must screen local movies. That itself isn't enough if the government does not fund talented people or allow the creative freedom to create good films.

Imposing extra levy on foreign films will do little to improve the local industry if that money doesn't go back to local filmmakers. Our current cultural policy that emphasises "morality" and restricts "sensitive" or "controversial" themes will further choke the industry.

Incidently, censorship is also an important reason why people buy pirated DVDs. Who likes to watch a movie that has scenes and audio cut out by the government?