THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region is vast. It has a total population of 630 million covering 4.4 million sq km, and represents nine percent of the world’s population, with a history that stretches for ages.

And, more interestingly, all the countries have had ties with each other since ancient times, sometimes through conflict due mostly to western colonization since the fifteenth century. This can create many interesting stories that can be written, published or produced as films or television productions that can be shared widely throughout the region.

Unfortunately, this has not happened, and each of its member states dwell on their own experiences and welcome foreign films and television productions from elsewhere, especially America, and embrace values that many young people have become proud to claim as their own. 

There are ten countries in ASEAN. They are Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar.

There are two observer-countries – Papua New Guinea and Timor Leste – which were formerly part of Indonesia and have different levels of economic development.

ASEAN was formed on August 8, 1967 with five countries – Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines – and later expanded to include the other countries.

The film industries in most of ASEAN countries had been established long ago, mostly after the second World War.

In some ways, they made life a little bearable for many, who were confronted with the uncertainties they were experiencing during the post-war years.

Unfortunately, the political leaders of ASEAN have failed to recognise that cinema is the one medium that can bring about change and instil pride and national belonging. It can also create a better appreciation among its citizens of their region, one that can rival any other. And perhaps, lead to the creation of a true bloc, like Europe. – November 23, 2020.

*Mansor Puteh reads The Malaysian Insight

* This is the opinion of the writer or publication and does not necessarily represent the views of The Malaysian Insight. Article may be edited for brevity and clarity.