Talib displays the participation form at the press conference. On his right is Ik Pahon Joyik, the permanent secretary of Tourism Ministry.
KUCHING: The Ministry of Tourism Sarawak is inviting local youths aged 18 to 35 to compete in a short film competition named ‘Sarawak Movie in the Rainforests’ from Wednesday until July 15.
It is held in collaboration between Angkatan Zaman Mansang Sarawak (Azam) and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) to promote the film industry in the state by encouraging participation of local talent.
Jepak BN candidate Datuk Talib Zulpilip said it is also to showcase Sarawak’s film making potential to movie makers from around the world.
“We want to dig up local talent. People overseas are more active than us. We believe we have local talent in filmmaking so this is the opportunity to showcase yourselves,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The competition is organised in conjunction with this year’s Rainforest World Music Festival in August as well as to consolidate the ‘rainforest’ brand for Sarawak’s tourism products.
It is also part of a coordinated approach in promoting and developing another special product of Sarawak, the flagship event of Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) which the State had held twice biennially since 2013.
Talib said the first prize winner will bring home a cash prize of RM5,000 while the second and third prize winner will walk away with RM3,000 and RM1,500 respectively.
Three consolation winners will each receive a RM500 cash prize.
Every winner will also receive a one-day free pass to the forthcoming Rainforest World Music Festival and a certificate of participation from the organiser.
Additionally, six winners have the opportunity to be recommended as nominees for a special category in Aiffa 2017.
“The movie will be between five to seven minutes only including film credits and captures key elements of culture, adventure and nature in the rainforests,” he said.
The ultimate goal of the film presentation and delivery is to showcase how quality films could be produced in the rich natural setting of Sarawak’s rainforests including the flora, fauna, landscape and pulse of life and cultures of communities inhabiting the areas.
He said all categories and genres of short films are accepted including drama, comedy, animation, sci-fi, documentary and experimental.
A panel of judges comprising representatives of various relevant sectors will focus on the quality of content in relation to the theme, techniques and presentation, originality and ability to capture the interest of an international audience.
Entries would eventually be posted on online channels or websites belonging to the Ministry of Tourism and Azam.
More information on the short film competition can be obtained from Kerry/Hakim (Azam Sarawak on 082-411 799 or email Kerry@ azam.org.my/hakim@a zam.org.my.
Check the Rainforest World Music Festival Website on http://rwmf.net/ for details.