By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, Nov 16: Cambodia’s Tenement emerged as the big winner at the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2025, taking home the coveted Best Film title as Southeast Asia’s brightest filmmakers were honoured in a glittering Gala Night held at Pullman Hotel here last night.
Vietnam also delivered a strong showing with Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell winning Best Film Editing and Best Director for Pham Thien An, while the Philippines celebrated major wins as Some Nights I Feel Like Walking earned Best Cinematography, The Gospel of the Beast took Best Screenplay, and Ronnie Lazaro claimed Best Supporting Actor.
Malaysia shared the spotlight with Sweet Qismina winning Best Supporting Actress for Babah, while Wu Kang-Ren claimed Best Actor for his role in Abang Adik.
On the other hand, Indonesia’s Yunita Siregar walked away with Best Actress for Home Sweet Loan.
This year’s Special Jury Awards went to Malaysia’s Tegkang and Brunei’s Waiters, while Indonesia’s Mbutik captured the ASEAN Spirit Award.
Cheers, camera flashes and congratulatory hugs filled the Colosseum Ballroom at Pullman Hotel Kuching as filmmakers from across the region celebrated a festival that drew a record-breaking 200 film submissions.
The awards show doubled as a musical spectacle with Indonesian legend Ruth Sahanaya, Malaysia’s cultural icon Dato’ M Nasir, Mimifly, Vince Chong, Ronnie, Sandra Lim and more lighting up the stage, keeping the ballroom on its feet between award announcements. Kuching-born actor Tony Eusoff hosted the ceremony.
The AIFFA 2025 Jury included Malaysia’s U-Wei Haji Saari as the head jury, Herman Van Eyken (Belgium), Embi C Noer (Indonesia), Nik Amir Mustapha (Malaysia) and Mohanad Hayal (Iraq).
AIFFA also presented the ASEAN Inspiration Award to Hong Kong superstar Simon Yam and the Lifetime Achievement Award to Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz, recognising their contributions to cinema.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, as Guest of Honour, presented both awards to the winners, adding a distinguished touch to the celebration.
Among those present were Malaysian Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Dato Sri Nancy Shukri; Sarawak Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister for Tourism, Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Sarawak (MTCP) permanent secretary Datu Sherrina Hussaini; National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas) chairman Dato’ Gerald Hans Isaac and AIFFA 2025 festival director Livan Tajang.
– DayakDaily
