KUCHING: Assistant Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Datuk Snowdan Lawan, has applauded the Japanese Film Festival (JFF), which kicked off on Thursday (Jan 20).
He said the festival played an important role in promoting mutual understanding between Japan and Sarawak through films.
“2022 signifies the 40th Look East Policy that was introduced in 1982 aimed at fostering closer ties with Japan.
“We hope all our close collaborations can be sustained so that we can reap mutual benefits through the various activities,” he added at the JFF festival, which runs until Jan 23, at GSC City One Megamall here.
Meanwhile, the director of the Japanese Foundation, Shimada Seiya, said the JFF festival this year would include Bahasa Malaysia subtitles in the films to reach a broader audience.
“We want more people to take part in the festival besides encouraging the community to give support the local film industry that has been badly affected by the pandemic.
“Besides that, we also want to fulfil our mission of showcasing Japanese culture through our films.”
Seiya also said the idea to collaborate with a local film director was a good initiative and hoped that it would continue in the near future.
The festival will be held again in September and he hoped more people would support the programme.
