By Emily Ruran
KUCHING, Sept 29: The ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) will return to Kuching from Nov 12 to 15 with more than 200 film submissions received from across the region.
The seventh edition will gather producers, directors, cast, and crew from all 10 ASEAN countries, culminating in the Gala Night at Pullman Hotel’s Colosseum, where 12 AIFFA trophies will be presented to the best films.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said Sarawak would continue to welcome proposals from creative players, whether in the film industry or beyond.
“Even if you are in the film industry but are also involved in music, you can always come with your proposal. We are willing to open up,” he said at a press conference today.
He also pointed out that Sarawak’s grants for events and creative ventures were among the strongest in the country.
“You would be surprised at the level of support available,” he added.
AIFFA director Livan Tajang said the strong response reflected the festival’s growing stature in the regional film calendar.
“We received 200 films from across ASEAN. This is the biggest number ever, which shows that we are on the right track. It is a good festival for filmmakers,” she said.
The 2025 festival will feature screenings, masterclasses, exhibitions, bazaars, workshops, and student competitions at The Spring Shopping Mall, the Borneo Cultures Museum, and Kuching Waterfront.
Highlights include the ASEAN UNIFEST short film competition, workshops by Datuk Erma Fatima and Vanidah Imran, and celebrity meet-and-greet sessions.
AIFFA 2025 will also feature prolific Hong Kong actor Simon Yam, who will attend a fan meet-and-greet session at the Kuching Waterfront near the Godown Amphitheatre.
The new Borneo Documentary Awards will also debut with screenings and prize presentations at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium on Nov 14.
Tickets for the Gala Night are available for purchase, while other activities remain free for the public. Full details and programme itinerary can be found on the website. — DayakDaily
