KUCHING: The ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) continued its celebration of regional storytelling today when the Borneo Documentaries Screening and Awards took place at the Borneo Cultural Museum.
This year marks a significant step forward with the introduction of the Borneo Documentary Award, created to recognise nonfiction films rooted in Borneo and East Malaysia.
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, who officiated at the launch, voiced strong support for the new category.
“We have many natural places in Sarawak, many beautiful sites with good nature. Maybe in the future you might think of doing a film here.
“Just like in New Zealand, they have places like that. We have nature, we have many locations where you can explore different knowledge about films,” he said.
Snowdan also welcomed the award as a catalyst for regional documentary growth.
“I believe this initiative is a good start and maybe in the future the organisers can consider inviting buyers of documentary films to participate. As I know, there are many television channels dedicated just for documentaries,” he added.
The competition introduces three awards: Best Borneo Feature Documentary, Best East Malaysian Documentary, and the Borneo Documentary Special Merit Award.
Following the awards segment, AIFFA launched its Biz World programme, featuring regional industry figures.
Anthony Buncio spoke on empowering emerging storytellers by blending cultural heritage with new technology, while Carlo Obispo shared perspectives on elevating local narratives to global platforms.
The sessions aim to inspire ASEAN filmmakers to innovate while staying anchored in identity.
At the inaugural Borneo Documentary Awards, Brunei production ‘Wujud’ directed by Syafi Halim won Best Borneo Feature Documentary.
The intimate film explores Bruneians’ connection with Islam, the monarchy and their heritage, offering a rare glimpse into personal stories, cultural nuances, and reflections on identity.
‘Rhythm of Our Ancestors Hivan Kayau’, directed by Genevieves Sulan, won Best East Malaysian Short Documentary.
The film traces the Hivan Kayau Dance’s evolution from a warrior celebration to a symbol of Kayan cultural pride, highlighting how the tradition continues to unite and inspire the community.
‘The Songs of Highlands’, directed by Sarah Lois, received the Special Merit Award.
The short documentary follows musician, Alena Murang, as she revitalises her endangered indigenous language through song, using voices of elders, tradition, and technology to preserve ancestral heritage.
