Abstract:

Brunei Darussalam’s ongoing efforts towards economic diversification under Wawasan Brunei 2035 have increasingly drawn attention to the role of the creative industries as alternative sources of growth. Within this context, film has emerged as a visible yet underexplored area of activity, often perceived primarily as cultural expression rather than as a form of economic production. This paper reconsiders Brunei’s film sector through the lens of small nation cinema and the creative economy, moving beyond conventional definitions of industry based on scale and profitability. Drawing on qualitative insights from interviews with local filmmakers and institutional stakeholders, alongside supporting survey data, the analysis focuses on three key dimensions: production activity, labour and skill development, and market circulation. The findings show that Brunei’s film sector already demonstrates emerging forms of structured production, contributes to human capital development and engages in evolving modes of content circulation. However, these developments remain constrained by fragmented institutional support, limited market coordination, and uneven audience engagement. Rather than indicating an absence of industry, these conditions reflect a misalignment between institutional efforts, industry practices, and audience expectations. In this sense, Brunei’s film sector can be understood as an emerging system in formation, where cultural production and economic functions are already present, but not yet fully integrated into a sustainable industry aligned with the country’s broader diversification goals.