KUCHING: Short films ‘Fate of Mountain’ from Malaysia and ‘Ren Shaon’ (Singapore) were winners at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2013 in the student and professional categories respectively on Thursday.
The results were announced during AIFFA 2013’s launching ceremony at Sarawak Cultural Village by Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.
The first runner-up in the student category was `The Fate of Ching San Yen and Muara Tebas Village’ (Malaysia) and second runner-up went to Pulau Ubin (Singapore).
The winner in this category walked away with US$1,000, first runner-up US$750 and second runner-up US$500.
For the professional category, the first runner-up went to ‘Close To me’ (Singapore) and second runner-up was `Komodo Village’ (Indonesia).
The winner in this category received US$3,000, first runner-up US$2,000 and second runner-up US$1,000.
The glittering occasion also witnessed the announcement of nominees for AIFFA Best Screenplay, Best Film Editing, Best Film Photography, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best Foreign Film, Best Pictures Comedy, Drama and Action and Best Director.
The winners in all these categories would be announced during a gala gathering at Borneo Convention Centre Kuching (BCCK) tonight.
Abang Johari said the state would enhance its collaboration with film producers and filmmakers to indirectly boost its tourism industry.
“Sarawak is known for its rich biodiversity, cultures as well as talents which can be highlighted in films or dramas without high costs.
“Here, it is considered as an open natural studio for filming purposes. Hence, I hope the industry players will take this opportunity (to shoot their movies here).”