Aiffa praised for staging shortfilm education and competition

0
Sikie (fourth right) and other guests doing the soft launching.

Sikie (fourth right) and other guests doing the soft launching.

KUCHING: The organisers of Asean International Film Festival & Awards (Aiffa) 2017 has been given a pat on the back by Assistant Minister for Arts and Culture Datuk John Sikie Tayai for inaugurating the Sarawak Youth Short Film education and competition for its coming event from May 4 to 6.

In urging the youth to make full use of the avenue, he said such education and competition programme would pave the way for local youths to be involved in the film industry.

“The state government is keen to develop film making as a promising way for the local youths to contribute to the development in the state, so Sarawak youths must make full use of the avenue.

“Whether or not you (youths) are studying film in college or university, this is your chance to tell a story while opening up a path for yourself to bigger things in the film world,” he remarked at the soft launching of Aiffa 2017 at Grand Margherita hotel, here yesterday.

He cited James Wan, a Sarawakian, who is now a Hollywood icon writing scripts, directing and producing the best films in the world like Comjuring, Fast and Furious and Insidious, among the blockbusters.

Sikie also said the state encouraged any effort that can enhance the profile of the state, adding that the state has gained from events such as Rainforest Music Festival, Borneo Jazz, Sarawak Regatta and other international events.

He added that the state has also gained a lot of exposure through the film industry due to Aiffa.

Sikie also said the state has a natural film studio with a stunning and memorable backdrop that has attracted a Hollywood production company to film the White Rajah.

Present were Aiffa festival director Livan Tajang, deputy president of Film Producers Association Malaysia Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba and

Finas advisor for Sabah and Sarawak Datuk Deddy M Burhan.