KUCHING: Financiers at the Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2017 Biz World have allocated US$30 million to support ASEAN filmmakers.
It is a far cry from the old days when so many promising filmmakers had to go from one bank to another in getting funds and the processes alone can kill their creative spirit or make writers and directors compromise to an extent that they no longer recognise their work.
This was stated by Minister of Communications and Multimedia Datuk Seri Dr Salleh Said Keruak in conjunction with the launching of AIFFA 2017 Biz World held at Pullman Hotel here, yesterday.
He said AIFFA Biz World 2017 was essentially a gathering of film minds in collaboration with various film business activities.
“There are talks, networking and collaborations and experience sharing during production and there is an exhibition just outside the hotel’s ballroom.
“You are pleased to know that the financiers at AIFFA Biz World 2017 have allocated US$30 million to support ASEAN filmmakers. That is a very generous form of support that I urge you to pitch for,” he said.
As AIFFA Biz World 2017 signifies the spirit of promoting ASEAN films to the international market and progressively, facilitating collaborations and networking within the ASEAN film industry, it can be concluded that ASEAN region is a growing market and will play increasingly important role in the global economy in the years ahead.
“Appropriately, the power of cinema extracted from this AIFFA Biz World shows how cultural exchanges serve as a unique avenue for the meeting of minds, interaction of feelings and bridging of friendship between different races, people and countries.
“I am indeed delighted that such a facility is available at AIFFA 2017 which coincides with the 50th Aniversary of ASEAN. It reflects maturity in our regional growth, where the creative aspects of life have come to be as important as socio-economic development,” pointed out Salleh.
He said the Ministry of Communications and Multimedia had actively played its part in developing the country’s resources and had made possible, the new generation of information communication technology (ICT) and digital savvy Malaysians who are contributing to the nation’s growth.
“Recently, Sarawak too, has done its part by setting up the Sarawak Multimedia and Commissions Authority (SMCA) and it is a big step in guiding this dynamic state in making the Internet a true game changer for the business community, the creative industry and the youth.
“Sarawak is indeed determined to go digital and all industry players are very excited and anxious to participate in the vast new wealth-creation and job opportunities it is bound to open up,” he said.
He also hoped that Malaysians and filmmakers from all ASEAN countries would use AIFFA Biz World effectively to feed the appetite of 600 million consumers in ASEAN.
Meanwhile, Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin hoped that AIFFA could help ASEAN countries in developing content that the ASEAN members could be proud of.
“Content that can ultimately influence beyond the borders of ASEAN, and it is time that ASEAN content leads the way. We believe that AIFFA is one of the channels that can and should be used to make ASEAN seamless. A platform for filmmakers to create content for better understanding,” he said.
Lee also commended AIFFA’s partnership with Southeast Asia Audio Visual Association (SAVVA) as the focus was on ASEAN content and marketing within the community.
He said Sarawak had been inviting filmmakers to take advantage of its scenery and provide employment for creative young people in the state.
