Thursday, April 09, 2015

Asean International Film Festival and Awards stars, celebrities, film people start arriving today


KUCHING: The second Asean International Film Festival and Awards (Aiffa) starts today with celebrities and film industry people from all Asean countries arriving here to network, give seminars and workshops, and see who takes home an award.

Among the most instantly recognisable names who will be here this week are Datuk Jackie Chan and Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh.

Chan will be meeting fans at the Old Courthouse on April 11, after a 20-minute session with the media at 4pm. This will be his only formal public appearance as he intends to spend his visit enjoying what Kuching has to offer. However, organisers also cautioned that the time is subject to change, and for fans to keep an eye out for the latest information.

Yeoh is here to present the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ to an Asean film personality who has broken the international barrier. She was given the award at the first Aiffa.

Among plans during her trip to Kuching is to check on the Sarawak Forestry Corporation’s (SFC) ‘Turtle Adoption Programme’. She adopted 13 hatcheries during her visit in 2013.

Kuching is also getting excited about the ‘Running Man’ TV series coming to the city this week, but festival director Livan Tajang said that 11 Korean directors would be coming to scout the city and surrounding areas for possible shooting locations.

“They will also be checking out the Bakun Dam as a possible location,” she said during a media briefing yesterday.

The theme for this year’s Aiffa is Aiffa Movies and Networking Inspire Asean (Aiffa Mania).

Over 60 celebrities are expected, including a large Malaysian delegation.

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