Budiey
The juries of ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) has announced 31 shortlisted films in running for 15 coveted award categories in this third edition of AIFFA. The shortlisted films from more than 100 submission embodies AIFFA objective which is celebrating the very best of ASEAN film makers and their creativity.
AIFFA 2017 REVEALS FINALISTS
The reveal was announced during the AIFFA 2017 opening Night held at Kuching Amphitheatre and attended and officiated by YB Datuk Amar Douglas Unggah Embas, Deputy Chief Minister of Sarawak. Also at the event were foreign dignitaries, officers from Sarawak State Government Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and AIFFA 2017 delegates.
The AIFFA 2017 Opening Night wowed the crowd with exclusive and exciting content. The darling of Sarawak – Dayang Nurfaizah, the legendary Dato’ David Arumugam of Alleycats serenaded Kuchingites with their hit songs. The celebration goers were also entertained by ASEAN’s favourite contractor, the famous Phua Chu Kang and also children’s favourite animation character, Upin and Ipin.
Kuchingites Celebrates As They Set a Guinness World Record
During the opening night, the AIFFA Songbird competition winners took centre stage and also for the first time, The Guinness World Record’s Longest Hand Woven Mat made by the ladies from the Peng Doh Belaga was shown to the public and presented to the Sarawak State Government as a symbolic to Sarawak’s innovation and creativity and a national heritage.
The people of Kuching also celebrated the achievement of setting a Guinness World Record for The Largest Gathering of People in Cat Costumes. 440 strong and enthusiastic crowds dressed up in cat costumes and set a new record. Guinness World Records representative, Miss Houda verified the attempt and handed over the official certificate of recognition to YB Datuk Amar.
Star Studded Opening Night a Crowd Hit
The winners of Young Cuts Sarawak, a youth short film education and competition that was organized in conjunction with AIFFA 2017 was also celebrated. At Adau with his film Ajen OKU (Wait For Me) was announced the winner and received RM5000 and a trophy. An entry titled ‘Kumang’ by Jeremy Jacky, won second place and received RM4000 and a trophy. Third place went to Taktik Kotor Production with their entry titled Sense of My Fairland received RM3000 and a trophy. All prizes were presented by YBhg Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Assistant Minister for Tourism Sarawak.
AIFFA will continue to shine a spotlight and support on the very best emerging talent of film makers in the industry. Sarawak Young Cuts sees quality submissions and a fresh take of film inspiration from the young Sarawakian film makers.
Ajen OKU (Wait For Me) Emerged As Winner of Young Cuts Sarawak
AIFFA has grown to become one of the premier film fests in ASEAN in a short time given its biennial status. It continues to attract the interest of cinema audiences who have come to appreciate thoughtful and skillful ASEAN storytelling and to discover the best of the best films in the region.
Short Film Competition
There are awards in 16 categories which recognize the contributions of directors, directors of photography, actors, writers and editors as well as for lifetime achievement and inspiration.
