KUCHING: The ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) will return to its home ground here from November 12 to 15, with more than 200 film submissions received from across the region.
The seventh edition will once again 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.
Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Minister, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, said AIFFA had established Kuching as a platform to nurture and grow the film industry in Sarawak and beyond.
“We are here to support together with National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and others in the industry. You have a place here where we will always be supportive.
“We will continue to help this industry grow to greater heights, even though it may not be very big here yet. But we are prepared to learn and let it grow from here,” he said.
He said this during a press conference on the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2025 at Baitulmakmur 2 here on Monday.
Abdul Karim stressed that Sarawak was open to collaboration across creative sectors, whether in film, music or sports tourism.
He said that Sarawak’s financial support for creative projects was among the strongest in the country, setting it apart from other states.
He assured that the state was prepared to work with filmmakers to help grow the sector nationally.
“Even if you are in the film industry but also involved in music, you can always come with your proposal.
“I don’t think any other states have the kind of grant that we have to promote events. You would be surprised at the level of support available.
“If we can help develop the film industry to a higher level in Malaysia, why not? We will assist,” he said.
The 2025 event will feature film screenings, masterclasses, exhibitions, bazaars, workshops and student competitions at The Spring Mall, 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.
The new Borneo Documentary Awards will debut with screenings and prize presentations at the Borneo Cultures Museum Auditorium on November 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 at www.aseanfilmfest.my.
