KUCHING: Malaysia bagged six awards at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2023 Gala Night held at the Pullman Hotel here last night (Aug 4).
Among the categories won were the Best Script and Best Film awards for the film “Barbarian Invasion,” as well as the Best Supporting Actor award for Hasnul Rahmat in “Jerangkung Dalam Almari.”
Additionally, Datuk Tarmimi Siregar received the Best Actor award for “Perjalanan Pertama,” while film Duan Nago Bogho, directed by Sabri Yunus, was honoured with the ASEAN Spirit Award, followed by film director U-Wei Saari receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award.
South Korean superstar Rain was honoured with the Asean Inspiration Award.
Meanwhile, AIFFA 2023 festival director Livan Tajang revealed plans to introduce two new awards for the upcoming AIFFA in 2025.
“Two new categories will be added in the next edition of AIFFA, namely the Documentary and Animation categories.
“For the animation category, it is to provide opportunities for the young generation to get involved in the filmmaking field,” she told the media at a separate press conference later.
Renowned local and international artistes, namely Hetty Koes Endang, The Shang Sisters, Zee Avi, and Amir Jahari, among others, graced the stage and delivered mesmerising performances.
Among the notable figures present were the Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah and his wife, Datin Seri Zuraini Abdul Jabbar; Minister of Women, Family, and Community Development Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri; Tourism, Creative Industry, and Performing Arts Ministry deputy ministers Datuk Sebastian Ting and Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Satok assemblyman Datuk Ibrahim Baki; and other distinguished guests.
AIFFA 2023 stands as a testament to the growth and significance of ASEAN cinema on the global stage. It serves as a platform for filmmakers to showcase their art, foster international collaboration, and celebrate the shared stories that resonate across borders.
This prestigious event brings together the film industry and enthusiasts, fostering an environment of learning, appreciation, and inspiration.
As the curtains close on another successful six-edition AIFFA, the organisers express their heartfelt gratitude to the filmmakers, sponsors, partners, and attendees who made this event a resounding success.
The festival’s continued success would not be possible without the unwavering support of the state government of Sarawak, the global film community, and dedicated film enthusiasts.
Following is the complete list of winners:
Best Screenplay: Barbarian Invasion (Malaysia)
Best Film Editing: Faces of Anne (Thailand)
Best Director of Cinematography: Roy Lolang for “The Woman Crowned With A Crescent Moon” (Indonesia)
Best Supporting Actress: Kim B Ngo in ‘The Brilliant Darkness’ (Vietnam)
Best Supporting Actor: Hasnul Rahmat in “Jerangkung Dalam Almari” (Malaysia)
Best Actress: Max Eigenmann in “Kargo” (Philippines)
Best Actor: Datuk Tarmimi Siregar in “Perjalanan Pertama” (Malaysia and Indonesia)
Best Director: Carlo Obispo for “The Baseball Player” (Philippines)
Best Film: Barbarian Invasion (Malaysia)
ASEAN Spirit Award: Duan Nagho Bogho, directed by Sabri Yunus (Malaysia)
ASEAN Spirit Icon Award: Philip Cheah
Lifetime Achievement Award: U-Wei Saari
ASEAN Inspiration Award: Rain
