Veteran Hollywood star Steven Seagal arrives for Aiffa 2019

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Seagal (fourth, right) poses with the traditionally-attired welcoming party at Kuching International Airport. Also seen is Hii (fourth left).

KUCHING: Veteran Hollywood action star Steven Seagal touched down in the state capital yesterday in conjunction with the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) 2019, where he is scheduled to make a special appearance.

He was met upon arrival at the VIP terminal of Kuching International Airport by permanent secretary to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Youth and Sports Hii Chang Kee as well as Aiffa officials.

Seagal, however, left the airport without addressing the press, with Aiffa officials explaining he was still feeling the effects of the long journey here.

The Hollywood star will be in town for the three-day Aiffa 2019, which runs from today until April 27, and will join a host of local and international celebrities such as jazz queen Sheila Majid as well as former Asia’s Got Talent hosts Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez, among others.

Seagal, who is also a producer, screenwriter, martial artist and musician, became a household name after starring in action films such as 1988’s ‘Above the Law’ and 1992’s ‘Under Siege’.

Other international superstars who have appeared in previous editions of Aiffa include Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen and Michelle Yeoh.

Among the highlights of this year’s festival is the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Alibaba Pictures Group which produced blockbusters such as ‘Mission: Impossible – Fallout’ and ‘Star Trek Beyond’.

The highly-anticipated Aiffa 2019 Gala Night on April 27 will feature 29 shortlisted films from Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar, Brunei, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos and the Philippines – all eyeing the coveted awards such as Best Picture-Drama, Best Picture-Action, Best Picture-Comedy, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, and Best Director.

Screenings of the shortlisted films will be held from today to give everyone ample opportunity to catch some of the competing films from the Asean region.

Members of the public can catch the free screenings at the Old Courthouse Auditorium, from 10am to 8pm daily.