ASEAN International Film Festival And Awards (AIFFA)

CyrilDasonJune 3, 2023

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The ASEAN International Film Festival And Awards (AIFFA) is a awards ceremony and festival of filmmakers and movie stars from the Asean region.

It is held in Kuching and is sanctioned by ASEAN Secretariat as one of the ASEAN joint activities.

Celebrities at previous editions of the festival included Jackie Chan, Donnie Yen, Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding and Nora Aunor.

The festival is held every two years with the first being held in 2013.

What happens during AIFFA

Since AIFFA is also a festival, several exciting events are scheduled during its three day dates.

One of the most prominent and popular is the free movie screenings of nominated movies for the awards. The movie screenings are usually called the ‘AIFFA Movie marathon’. These screenings are usually to the public and delegates and are shown throughout the festival.

Another popular event during AIFFA is the ‘Party under the Stars’. This unique Borneo-style film carnival brings along performances by popular ASEAN artistes with announcements of nominated films also made.

Other side events to the festival are exhibitions, as well as talks and discussions about the film and movie industry in ASEAN. Entry to exhibitions are usually free, but talks and discussions are ticketed (although still usually free). Talks and discussion sessions are usually held in local cafe’s around Kuching.

For delegates, special tours are arranged to local tourist sites which include local rehabilitation and conservation areas.

The finale of AIFFA is Gala Night. This grand affair is where the who’s who in ASEAN film industry comes together with great show and dazzling performances. Awards are also handed over during the Gala Night.

Previous ASEAN International Film Festival And Awards dates

2013: 28 – 30 March 2013
2015: 9 – 11 April 2015
2017: 4 – 6 May 2017
2019: 27 – 29 April 2019
2023: 2 – 4 August 2023

POPULAR HOTELS IN KUCHING DURING AIFFA

There are plenty of well established hotels in Kuching if you are coming for AIFFA. However, if you want a glimpse of the stars, or stay near the stars attending AIFFA, these hotels are usually their favourite.

Before you check these hotels out, it is advisable to book in advance as rooms get snapped up when the dates of the festival nears.

There are a lot more accommodation options in Kuching and you can check them at my Kuching hotel page.