AIFFA 2025 Highlights Sarawak’s Rise As ASEAN Creative Hub
KUCHING: Sarawak’s growing standing in the regional creative industry was reinforced tonight as the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2025 wrapped up with a glittering Gala Night at Pullman Hotel Kuching.
The festival recorded 200 submissions this year, the highest since its inception.
Festival Director Livan Tajang said the surge reflected strong regional confidence in AIFFA and the continued commitment of ASEAN filmmakers to cultural storytelling.
Head Juror U-Wei Haji Saari described the edition as “record-setting,” while international juror Herman Van Eyken said the films presented carried stories that bridged cultures and identities.
Premier of Sarawak, The Right Honourable Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg, graced the ceremony, signalling Sarawak’s commitment to positioning Kuching as a creative and cultural hub.
International actor Simon Yam’s attendance added global appeal to the night, supported by performances from leading ASEAN artistes.
AIFFA 2025 honoured outstanding regional works, with notable wins including The Gospel of the Beast (The Philippines) for Best Screenplay, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell (Vietnam) for Best Film Editing and Best Director, and Tenement (Cambodia) as Best Film.
Malaysia celebrated wins through Sweet Qismina and Wu Kang-Ren, while Indonesia and Brunei also clinched top recognitions.
The evening also paid tribute to distinguished regional icons, with Filipino filmmaker Lav Diaz receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award and Hong Kong actor Simon Yam being honoured with the ASEAN Inspiration Award.
The festival closed with a renewed call to strengthen regional collaboration, with organisers affirming AIFFA’s role in elevating ASEAN cinema and expanding Sarawak’s creative footprint.
Also present at the event were Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, Dato’ Sri Nancy Shukri, Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts II (Creative Industry and Performing Arts), Datuk Snowdan Lawan and his wife, Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts I (Tourism), Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew, AIFFA Executive Event Directors, Jaffri Amin Osman and Shah Sidek, Hong Kong actor, Simon Yam, and Filipino producer, Lav Diaz. -UKASnews
