KUCHING: The ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2025 which will be held from November 13 to 15 set a new record when it received over 200 film entries, the highest number since it was first introduced in 2013.

Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said AIFFA has grown as a prestigious film festival in the ASEAN region and is now recognised as a key platform for connecting creative industry players.

“When it comes to AIFFA or this film festival, we want to see it become a platform to nurture and develop more talent in the film industry,” he said in a press conference here on Monday.

He also added that this success proves that Sarawak is increasingly known as an important destination for the global creative industry in line with the rapid development of the world’s creative economy which is now a valuable sector.

This year's event also introduces the Borneo Documentary Awards, which will showcase international documentary works, as well as ASEAN UniFest, which provides university students with the opportunity to produce short films themed around the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AIFFA 2025 will also feature prolific Hong Kong celebrity, Simon Yam, who will be in Kuching for a meet-and-greet session at the Kuching Waterfront near the Godown Amphitheatre.

The Gala Night will feature performances by renowned Indonesian singer Ruth Sahanaya and Malaysian music legend Dato' M. Nasir.

Over 300 filmmakers, actors and crew are expected to gather in Kuching throughout the festival, making use of new locations such as The Spring and Borneo Cultures Museum to facilitate public access to the event.

AIFFA, which was founded 12 years ago under the leadership of Sarawak Premier, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Abdul Rahman Zohari Tun Datuk Abang Openg, continues to grow as a leading event in the ASEAN region and coincides with Malaysia's position as the ASEAN 2025 Chairman. -UKASnews