For the past 12 years, the biennial ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia has drawn global stars and filmmakers to its international stage. Oscar best actress Michelle Yeoh, action star Steven Seagal, martial arts legend Jackie Chan, South Korean singer-songwriter and dancer Rain and Hong Kong actor-director Donnie Yen are just some of the big stars who joined the festival.
Two of the Philippines’ esteemed actresses, the late Nora Aunor and Cherie Gil, were among those who graced the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA). Nora Aunor was honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2015 for her enduring contributions to Philippine cinema. Cherie Gil received the Best Actress award in 2017 for her performance in Sonata, directed by Peque Gallaga and Lore Reyes.
The seventh edition of the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) will take place from November 8 to 15, set against the backdrop of Sarawak. The event brings together the best in the film industry to celebrate, honor and recognize excellence across the ASEAN region.
Filmmakers, directors, cinematographers, actors, celebrities, film students and fans from across Southeast Asia will converge to experience a showcase of the region’s finest films, be entertained by top creative talents and learn from some of the most respected voices in cinema. This year, award-winning Filipino director Lav Diaz will be attending AIFFA for the first time.
In time with Sarawak’s high-tech evolution in the digital age, the focus for AIFFA in 2025 will be ASEAN’s exponential development towards embracing technology in the film industry.
AIFFA will present a range of film activities from the ASEAN region, leading to the highlight of AIFFA where the 2025 award winners will be announced.
Deputy festival director Fadhillah Abdullah from AIFFA, representing festival director Livan Tajang, noted that the Philippines has been submitting the most number entries since AIFFA started in 2013.
“Compared to other countries, Philippines belongs to the Top 3 who submitted more entries this year,” disclosed Fadhillah. “The other two are Malaysia and Indonesia. We received more from Thailand and Cambodia this year. We are looking forward to the Philippines bringing more awards from AIFFA this year.”
There is a total of ten countries participating at AIFFA. Others who joined and submitted entries are Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Vietnam. The jury evaluation for films in cinema is from 2023 to 2024.
“Every category, there are usually five films that are shortlisted for awards,” shared Fadhillah. “Next week, there will be a Kuala Lumpur launch of AIFFA entries, when we will announce the shortlisted films.”
There will be an opening night screening of a Filipino film, according to Fadhillah, but she cannot announce it yet. “After Kuching and Kuala Lumpur, AIFFA is going to Jakarta, Indonesia for another launch. We are also planning to launch in Singapore, as well.”
More than 200 entries were submitted this year, more than the previous year. The screening for the shortlisted films will be at the Borneo Cultural Museum Auditorium and Spring Mall Foyer. The gala night and awards will be at the Colosseum Ballroom, Pullman Hotel on November 15.
Actress Max Eigenmann received the best actress award in AIFFA 2023 for TM Malones’ “Kargo.” She will be joining this year’s delegation.
“My best experience at Kuching was the feeling of community,” said Max. “Being with a lot of creatives who share the same vision and reason for being there to celebrate film. Everybody got so close in the three nights we were there (at Kuching).
“The trophy was a huge bonus, but the best part for me was truly the experience of flying there with 32 other Filipinos representing the same passion for film. That was such a nice bond with everybody. It was my first time (in 2023), but it felt like I had been there before. It was such a great experience.”
This year, AIFFA will invite a new generation of voices by including content creators to share their experiences during the festival. Two young adults who will fly to Malaysia to join the Philippine delegation are Lloyd Agustin and Anghela Villafuerte.
There are seven Filipino films shortlisted to compete in this year’s AIFFA. Sheron Dayoc’s “The Gospel of the Beast,” Dominic Bekaert’s ”An Errand,” Louie Ignacio’s “AbeNida,” Petersen Vargas’ “Some Nights I Feel Like Walking,” Zig Dulay’s “Green Bones” and “Fireflies,” Derick Cabrido’s “Mallari.”
Filmmakers Roman Perez, Carlo Obispo and Christian Paolo Lat were part of the delegation in 2023.
“Suki talaga ako ng AIFFA even when it was still new back in 2013,” director Carlo said. He won for his “The Baseball Player” entry last year. “I was among the second batches. It was always a memorable experience joining AIFFA. I am lucky that they liked my films.”
Direk Roman fielded in “Kaluskos” and “Sitio Diablo,” the latter was loaded with love scenes and even had a rape scene, but was allowed to be shown uncut in a Muslim country like Malaysia.
Liaison officer for AIFFA in the Philippines since its inception in 2013 is Rain Yamson II. “AIFFA has not only been a platform that not only celebrates ASEAN cinema, but also connects us as one community with one strong voice in storytelling.
“For the past festivals, you have seen how AIFFA creativity continues to grow and showcase the incredible talent of ASEAN. I’m very proud to say that the Philippines has been consistent in bringing awards through the years with artist creativity, passion and dedication.
“More than recognition, the festival makes our connection stronger to our brothers and sisters in Southeast Asia. While we may have a unique voice, we share one vision and one cinema.”
Everyone is eligible to submit entries to AIFFA, provided their films meet the festival’s requirements, said Yamson.
