KUCHING: Miri will host the Asia Pacific Film Festival (APFF) sometime in 2024.
It was confirmed by the secretary general of Federation Motion Picture Producer in Asia Pacific (FPA) who prefers to be go by the name of Pansha.
Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts of Sarawak (MTCP) Datuk Snowdan Lawan said not only is it a great potential for tourism in Sarawak, it will also be an opportunity to promote Miri and other cities.
“Sarawak is not only about Kuching, we have other cities such as Miri, Bintulu and Sibu as well.
“Plus Miri has great facilities, and we want to promote Sarawak as a whole, not only just Kuching.
“Industry players including production companies, directors, producers, actors and actresses can come and set up their production houses, in addition to discovering all things great about Miri,” he said.
He was speaking at a press conference after the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony of Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) Film Biz-World at Old Court House in Kuching on Thursday (August 3).
Snowdan also wants Sarawak to be the hub of the film industry in Malaysia.
“Just like in the United States of America (USA) where they have Hollywood, and India where they have Bollywood, we want Sarawak to be the centre of the film industry in Malaysia,” he added.
Commenting on Miri being the host for APFF2024, Deputy Minister of MTCP Datuk Sebastian Ting said he is delighted and excited to hear that Miri will be the next host after Macau, China.
“Considering that I am from Miri as well, I am pleased and honoured for APFF to come to Miri.
“Just like how we see AIFFA when it was formed in 2013, hopefully 10 years from now, we will see Sarawak becoming the hub of the film industry in Malaysia,” he added.
Among those present during the signing ceremony was executive director of AIFFA 2023 Jaffri Osman.
