KUCHING: Sarawak created another Guinness World Record for The Largest Gathering of People in Cat Costumes last Thursday night.
It was done in conjunction with Asean International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2017 opening night at Kuching Amphitheatre here where a total of 440 strong and enthusiastic crowds dressed up in cat costumes, thereby setting a new world record.
It was verified by a representative of the Guinness World Records Ltd. Hoda Khachab who handed over the official certificate of recognition to the event’s guest-of-honour Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas representing the State government.
Uggah earlier officiated at the AIFFA opening whereby another of the state’s world record holder (won in 2016), namely the Guinness World Record’s Longest Handwoven Mat was rolled out to welcome AIFFA 2017 guests.
The 1128.272m long mat was produced by 400 ladies from the Peng Doh Belaga was shown to the Kuching public for the first time and presented to the State government as a symbol to Sarawak’s innovation and creativity. It is also a national heritage.
The winners of Young Cuts Sarawak, a youth short film education and competition that was organised in conjunction with AIFFA 2017 was also celebrated.
At Adau with the film “Ajen Oku” (Wait For Me) was announced the winner and received RM5,000 and a trophy.
An entry titled “Kumang” by Jeremy Jacky, won second place and received RM4,000 and a trophy whereas the third place went to Taktik Kotor Production with their entry titled “Sense of My Fairland” earning them RM3,000 and a trophy.
All prizes were handed over to the winners by Assistant Minister of Tourism Datuk Lee Kim Shin.
AIFFA will continue to shine a spotlight and support on the very best emerging talent of film makers in the industry. Sarawak Young Cuts sees quality submissions and a fresh take of film inspiration from the young Sarawakian film makers.
Apart from that, juries of AIFFA 2017 also announced 31 shortlisted films in running for 15 coveted award categories in this third edition of AIFFA. The shortlisted films from more than 100 submissions embody AIFFA objective which is celebrating the very best of ASEAN film makers and their creativity.
AIFFA has grown to become one of the premier film fests in ASEAN in a short time given its biennial status. It continues 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 were awards in 16 categories which recognised the contributions of directors, directors of photography, actors, writers and editors as well as for lifetime achievement and inspiration.
