KUCHING: Sarawak is a beautiful place and is a perfect destination for film shooting. This pointer was in a two-minute welcoming message by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg showed on screen during the fourth edition of Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) 2019 Gala Night at Pullman Hotel last Saturday night.
“Sarawak is huge and is home to very diverse ethnics groups who live in harmony. You will find interesting and unique stories and cultural angles to showcase in your films,” he said.
The chief minister then said Aiffa, which binds 10 Asean countries through the world of movies, has always been the event Sarawak and her people look forward to.
“The filmmaking industry is at the forefront when we talk about digital technology. And Sarawak is also moving along this line as we have set up the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation to implement the state’s digital economic agenda,” he said.
He then thanked those who have participated in this year’s Aiffa 2019.
“I want to congratulate those who have won the awards, and I hope you bring back good memories you have here.”
Abang Johari’s wife Datuk Amar Juma’ani Tuanku Bujang; Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Minister Datuk Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, and permanent secretary to the ministry Hii Chang Kee, festival director Livan Tajang, and Hollywood action star Steven Seagal and his wife were among those present at the event.
More than 100 films from the ten Asean countries competed in nine categories in the festival. The awards are Best Film Editing, Best Director of Photography, Best Screenplay, Best Supporting Actress, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Actor, Best Director and Best Film.
Malaysian actor Amerul Affendi won the Best Supporting Actor Award for his part in the movie “Crossroads: One Two Jaga”, while movie director Nam Ron won the Best Director Award.
Best Film Editing Award went to Ave Maryam (Indonesia), Best Director of Photography Award (Myannmar film – Na Gyi), Best Screenplay Award (Vietnam film Song Lam), Best Supporting Actress Award (Barbara Miguel from the Philippines in the film 1-2-3 Gasping for Air), Best Actress Award (Raihaanun from Indonesia in the movie 27 Steps of May), and Best Actor Award (the late Kristoffer King in the Philippines-based film Kristo).
Three films “Hari Minggu Yang Ke-4” (Brunei), Bad Genius (Thailand), and ShweKyar-Golden Lotus (Myanmar) won the Special Jury Award.
Philippines-directed film “Signal Rock” won the Best Film Award.
The films were judged by local and international movie directors and juries – U-Wei Saari, International Juror Alain Jalladeau, Amable Tikoy from the Philippines, Mattie Do from Lao, Daniel Rudi Haryanto from Indonesia.
Karim and Livan also presented another special award, the Asean Spirit Award, for Brunei and Laos-directed film “Rina 2”.
A Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Slamet Rahardjo from Indonesia.
One of the highlights was the presentation of the Luminary Award to Seagal by the chief minister.
The crowds were also entertained by renowned Malaysian singers such as Zuwita Suiito, Jaclyn Victor, Sheila Majid, Filipino singer Marlo Mortel, and Indonesian singer Harvey Malaiholo.
There was a special appearance from the Crazy Rich Asian star and Singaporean award-winning actress Selena Tan.
