KUCHING: The ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) has grown into more than just a film festival, emerging as a symbol of ASEAN unity.
In stating this, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the biennial festival has grown beyond a showcase of artistic creativity into an industry that engages millions and contributes to economies worth trillions.
“ASEAN is home to over 700 million people – a vast and dynamic audience. Together, our region holds limitless potential for filmmakers to collaborate, to tell our stories, and to bring the soul of Southeast Asia to the world,” he said.
He conveyed this in a video speech aired during the AIFFA 2025 Gala Night and Awards event at a hotel here on Saturday night.
Abang Johari later recalled that he was then the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture when AIFFA was first proposed in 2013.
“The idea was born from a journey we took to India in 2012 – to learn from Bollywood and the Ramoji Film City. We returned inspired, determined to create a festival that celebrates ASEAN storytellers.
“The proposal was later endorsed by the ASEAN Tourism Ministers Meeting, and since then, Kuching has proudly hosted AIFFA six times,” he said.
He added that during the festival, thousands of filmmakers have experienced Sarawak’s culture and shared their art.
This year, he noted that AIFFA recorded a historic milestone with 200 film submissions, the highest since its inception.
“It also fills me with great pride to see 11 ASEAN nations coming together in Kuching – for a festival that began in 2013 and now celebrates its seventh edition,” he enthused.
The Premier also welcomed the introduction of new award categories, including those recognising ASEAN university students producing Sustainable Development Goals (SDG)-themed short films, as well as Borneo documentary filmmakers highlighting the stories, landscapes and communities of the state.
Among those present were Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew; Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts), Datuk Snowdan Lawan; National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Chairman, Datuk Hans Isaac, and festival director, Livan Tajang.
