KUCHING: ASEAN and Hollywood’s favourite martial arts hero Donnie Yen will grace ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2017 and celebrates his incredible 35-year film career with his fans in Kuching.
The star of the worldwide hit Ip Man movies series and also of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, will be meeting his fans at The Old Courthouse on 6 May at 2pm.
Do visit Magenta Cafe, The White Barouk Cafe and The Old Courthouse for free cafe film talks by prominent ASEAN film makers including CANNES’ winner Jaclyn Jose and Asia Pacific Screen Awards’ Director Maxine Williamson.
According to Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin, the state government and AIFFA were ready to roll out AIFFA 2017 on next week.
“Many attractive events and activities are ready for Kuching folks and the ASEAN community.
“I advise all Sarawakians to participate in the many educational and entertaining activities planned next week. Free concerts and movie screenings, educational film talks and creative sharing sessions await everyone,” said Lee in a press conference held at Pullman Hotel here, on Thursday night.
He added, AIFFA 2017 has already generated international interest as they have received many requests for invitations from Japan, China, Australia, Europe and Hollywood.
“Even Donnie Yen, one of the world’s biggest film stars will celebrate his 35th anniversary in film making in Kuching.
“The buzz of AIFFA 2017 has been felt from the month of April with several pre-event activities like the AIFFA roadshows in ASEAN capital cities, Kuching ASEAN Song Bird Karaoke Competition, Kuching school children colouring contest and weekly Kuching Waterfront ASEAN movie screenings.
“We want to expose the public to various forms of arts, films, music and creativity which are full of positive messages,” he further remarked.
Meanwhile, the Festival Director Livan Tajang said, AIFFA 2017 promises star studded events for everyone.
“From 4 May, international, ASEAN and Malaysian delegates and film enthusiasts as well as members of the public will enjoy the educational Cafe Crawl, the three-day film screenings at selected cinemas and the opening night at Kuching Amphitheatre that will see Phua Chu Kang, Upin & Ipin, Dayang Nurfaizah, Datuk David Arumugam of Alleycat,” she pointed out.
The AIFFA Biz World for networking business sessions and exhibitions will benefit many ASEAN business communities and film enthusiasts through the partnership with South East Asia Audio Visual Association (SAAVA).
A further excitement would be the attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the longest gathering of people dressed in cat costumes that also will be held at Kuching Amphitheatre as part of the opening night celebrations.
Members of the public are encouraged to join in this attempt and come dressed as cats; make-up artists are on standby on a complimentary basis to add authenticities to the costumes. This event will start at 5pm and will be adjudicated by officials from Guinness World Record.
“The Gala Nite, of course, is the climax of AIFFA 2017. The public are welcomed to experience the glitz and glamour of the Gala Nite that will be hosted by Mark and Ro from Asia Got Talent and also witness the red carpet event.
“Be prepared to be awed with performances by Indonesian singer Judika duet by Malaysia’s actress Nur Fazura and Philippines’s heart throb Jason Dy and appearance by world’s funniest comedian Harith Iskander.
“Of course, the most important part is who will be named the best of ASEAN’s film industry and bring home the coveted AIFFA trophies,” Livan explained.
AIFFA has grown to become one of the premier film fests in ASEAN in a short time given its biennial status.
It continued to attract the interest of cinema audiences who have come to appreciate thoughtful and skillful ASEAN storytelling and to discover the best of the best films in the region.
There will be awards in 16 categories which recognise the contributions of directors, directors of photography, actors, writers and editors as well as for lifetime achievement and inspiration.
