KUCHING: The ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2025 has concluded with the announcement of this year’s top regional film honours during a gala night at a hotel here on Saturday night.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg attended as Guest of Honour, while Hong Kong actor Simon Yam’s attendance drew strong attention from attendees.
Yam received the ASEAN Inspiration Award for his longstanding contributions to Asian cinema.
The event opened with performances by Indonesian singer Ruth Sahanaya, Datuk M. Nasir, Mimifly and Vince Chong, with actor Tony Eusoff hosting the event.
The awards presentation celebrated outstanding achievements in storytelling and craftsmanship across the region.
‘The Gospel of the Beast’ from the Philippines clinched Best Screenplay, while Vietnam’s ‘Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell’ earned Best Film Editing, and ‘Some Nights I Feel Like Walking’, also from the Philippines, won Best Cinematography.
Malaysia celebrated multiple wins at AIFFA 2025, with Sweet Qismina taking home Best Supporting Actress for her performance in ‘Babah’. Notably, she had also recently won the Best Actress award at the 34th Malaysian Film Festival (FFM 34) for the same role.
Wu Kang Ren, also from Malaysia, earned Best Actor for his role in ‘Abang Adik’, while the Philippines’ Ronnie Lazaro secured Best Supporting Actor for ‘The Gospel of the Beast’. Indonesia’s Yunita Siregar was named Best Actress for ‘Home Sweet Loan’.
Vietnamese filmmaker, Pham Thien An, won Best Director for ‘Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell’, while Cambodia’s ‘Tenement’ took home the coveted Best Film award.
The Special Jury Award recognised two productions, ‘Tegkang’ from Malaysia and ‘Waiters’ from Brunei, while Indonesia’s ‘Mbutik’ received the ASEAN Spirit Award.
A highlight of the night came with the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to acclaimed Filipino filmmaker, Lav Diaz, who has been a pioneering force in ASEAN cinema for over 25 years.
Known for his groundbreaking storytelling, epic-length films and unflinching explorations of social and historical realities, Diaz has left an indelible mark on the region’s cinematic landscape.
The award celebrated not only his decades-long dedication to the craft but also his enduring influence on a new generation of filmmakers across Southeast Asia.
