ASEAN International Film Festival
Movie stars, movie directors and other luminaries of South East Asian cinema descended and converged in the lovely Malaysian state of Sarawak, on the northeast part of Borneo to celebrate film in the ASEAN region, and I was fortunate enough to be a part of this spectacle. I had been to a few movie festivals and film market events before, but I have to say, this event is one of the most charming, in how the organizers make every delegate feel like they’re celebrities.
The moment we arrived at the airport, we were greeted by young volunteers who immediately burst into a song and dance sequence, much to my surprise... and I couldn’t help myself but to join in the festivities!
Of course, no trip to Sarawak is complete without a sampling of her gastronomic delicasies, like Sarawak Kolo Mee and other delicious fare.
Another perk of being here is of course, one gets a chance to meet up with old friends, and make new ones, many of whom are big time movie stars, producers and directors.
Top Malaysian actresses, Nur Fazura and Sharifah Amani taught me the intricacies of taking really good wefies.
At one of the festival parties, we were treated to an epic music and dance performance.
Of course, the pièce de résistance of the festival, was the ASEAN International Film Awards, which was telecast live to various ASEAN countries.
Here is famed movie director, rapper and screenwriter Namewee and I, with our gangsta faces turned on.
The best thing about award shows are... the after-parties! This is when everyone gets down to party till the wee hours of the morning, with free flows of happy juice, and copious amounts of mirth. Even with the mind-numbing effects of alcohol, I do remember hanging out with some lovely Singapore and Malaysian actors and actresses.
I have to say... I have not had this much fun in a festival in a long time. Kudos to the Sarawak government and the AIFFA organizing committee for making this such a memorable event, and one that I will look back on fondly for years to come.
