Film makers interested to shoot films in Sarawak

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KUCHING: Sarawak has the potential to become a shooting venue for film makers from China and Korea.

The Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) was a success with the presence of around 400 delegates from all 10 Asean countries and international superstars Datuk Jackie Chan and Datuk Michelle Yeoh.

“Aiffa held from April 9 to 11 celebrated the best films from the Asean region. It created a lot of buzz for Sarawak with almost one million likes on Jackie Chan’s Facebook,” said Tourism Ministry’s Permanent Secretary Datu Ik Pahon Joyikat at the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak’s appreciation night here on Wednesday.

“In America, the monetary value of one ‘like’ on FB is USD1.60. So, Jackie Chan’s FB alone brings a gigantic value,” he added.

He said Aiffa aimed to market Kuching and the state as a filming destination within the Asean region.

Some film makers from China and Korea had shown interest to shoot films here.

A group of film producers, film directors and media from China and Korea were present at Aiffa Film Biz World Seminar and Exhibition where they shared and discussed areas of collaborations and education under the Asean-China and Asean-Korea forum.

According to him, Sarawak visitors and delegates at Sarawak Tourism Complex, Sarawak Cultural Village, Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, Kuching International Airport and fans here make up to 15,000 visitors.

Three memorandum of understanding (MoU) were signed during the Aiffa Show Biz Seminar with three movies to be filmed in Sarawak.

Modernisation and Management Planning Unit (Mampu) rated Sarawak Tourism Ministry’s official website five-star and Accountability Audit 2014 Star Rating gave it four-star on May 15.

Also present was Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Abang Openg.