KUCHING: The 19th Mini Film Festival x Mini Art Festival is all set to captivate city audiences as it brings together a diverse selection of captivating films from Southeast Asia, Japan, and the United States.
The festival, in collaboration with cultural organisations, including the Japan Foundation, KL, and the Goethe-Institut Malaysia, promises to deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience.
“Among the featured films are “KITA,” a feature-length documentary directed by Nova Goh, a talented filmmaker from Sarawak, and “OBAKE,” a Japanese film from Japan selected from the renowned PIA Film Festival Japan, which showcases emerging talents in the Japanese film industry.
“In addition to the film screenings, the festival offers attendees a range of engaging activities. Film enthusiasts and aspiring creatives can immerse themselves in film-related workshops and forums, generously supported by the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS).
“These workshops provide a valuable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to hone their skills and gain insights from industry experts such as Rashid Salleh and Nandita Solomon,” the organisers said in a statement.
A notable highlight of the festival is the forum on ‘Building A Healthy Art and Film Ecosystem in Sarawak and Malaysia’. Artists and filmmakers from Sarawak and other parts of Malaysia will gather to discuss and provide valuable insights into creating a robust and sustainable art and film ecosystem in the region.
To further celebrate the festival’s cultural exchange, a special origami workshop has been curated, allowing participants to explore the ancient art of origami and create intricate paper designs that represent the beauty and diversity of the festival itself.
Additionally, the ‘Fun with Watercolour’ workshop, featuring artist Sylvester Jussem, will help participants expand their skills in watercolour painting, enhancing their visual imagination and coordination.
Meanwhile, up-and-coming local producer and director Alaric Soh of Sarawak’s first Iban film ‘Kumang – Aku Ukai 17 Ugi (I’m No Longer 17)’ will be attending a workshop on ‘A Producer’s Journey from Script to Screen with Mdm Nandita’ on July 9.
Nandita draws inspiration from Southeast Asia’s rich heritage and dynamic future, with an aim to shape distinctive stories and unique characters within films that bridge local and global directors.
She has produced a range of critically acclaimed Malaysian feature films and documentaries that have been screened internationally.
‘Kumang – Aku Ukai 17 Ugi’ will be screened in cinemas nationwide on July 13.
Soh, a well-known former beauty pageant organiser, started making a foray into the film industry only two years ago in 2021.
He is already into his second feature-length movie, ‘Tok Bukan Yang Kamek Maok (This is not What I Want)’, which will be in Sarawak Malay language.
The 19th Mini Film Festival x Mini Art Festival will take place from July 6 to 9 at La Promenade, Kota Samarahan.
Entry is free to the public, but registration is required to obtain the e-ticket. To secure your free ticket, visit https://bit.ly/MFFxMAF.
