Mini film, arts festival to feature int’l guests, new categories, workshops at La Promenade Mall from July 18-21

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By Ashley Sim

KUCHING, July 3: The Mini Film Festival x Mini Arts Festival, a hallmark of cultural exchange and artistic celebration in Sarawak, is set to mark its 20th edition with an extraordinary lineup of events and international guests.

Running from July 18 to 21 at La Promenade Mall in Kota Samarahan, the festival will feature a diverse array of activities aimed at bridging the gap between local and international filmmakers and artists.

“This year, we are thrilled to host over 30 international guests from Japan, Southeast Asia (Thailand, Indonesia, and Singapore), and beyond, marking our largest and most diverse lineup yet.

“Our mission is to connect filmmakers, artists, and audiences, fostering collaboration and appreciation for the arts,” stated Yow Chong Lee, the festival’s executive director and programmer at a press conference held today at the HSL Tower in Kota Samarahan.

Highlights of the festival include the introduction of the Borneo film category, showcasing films from Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan. Attendees can look forward to 45 international short films and 30 competition entries, along with the first-ever Arts and Film Community Network Session, aimed at fostering collaboration among artists and filmmakers from different regions.

“This session, specifically on July 20 in the evening at Hoan Gallery in La Promenade Mall, will bring together artists, programmers, and filmmakers to collaborate and engage in meaningful conversations,” Yow added.

In addition, music lovers will be thrilled by the performances of Sarawak’s up-and-coming talents, such as Elizabeth Bungan and her special needs students performing with the sape, fusion band ‘TaDan’ from Miri, who will showcase their unique blend of modern fusion jazz and ethnic music, as well as Adruce Azman.

Another highlight will be the captivating performance by Roxy Ixzy, the winner of the prestigious ‘Bintang RTM 2024’ competition.

Workshops are another cornerstone of the festival, with sessions on filmmaking, storytelling, lighting, and the innovative use of artificial intelligence (AI) and non-fungible token (NFT) arts. Led by industry experts, these workshops provide valuable learning opportunities for participants, enhancing the creative ecosystem in Sarawak.

“This festival is not just about showcasing talent; it’s about building a sustainable arts and film community,” Yow emphasised. “By offering these workshops and networking opportunities, we hope to inspire and support the next generation of creatives.”

The Mini Film Festival x Mini Arts Festival is open to the public, with free admission to film screenings and a nominal fee for workshops to ensure commitment.

The festival is organised by the Cinematography Programme of the Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas). It is supported by the Sarawak Arts Council (MSS) and National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas), making it the longest-running short film festival in Malaysia.

For more information and the full schedule of events, visit the festival’s website.

Also present at the press conference were Finas Borneo director Mohammad Rizal Mohamed Yunus and Unimas Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts (Research and Commercialisation) deputy dean Assoc Prof Dr Qistina Donna Lee Abdullah. — DayakDaily

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