Inaugural Asean Film Fest to host Hollywood, Bollywood producers

Some 120 film producers, including those from Hollywood and Bollywood, are expected to attend the inaugural Asean Film Festival, which will be held here March 28 to 30 this year.

Sarawak Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said 28 well known film stars from Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore and Korea have also confirmed participation in the festival aimed to highlight the Asean filming industry's achievements.

Speaking at the handing over ceremony of 1Malaysia Artistes Foundation's contributions to Sarawak veteran artistes here, he said the state government hoped by hosting the first ever festival, Sarawak could be promoted as a location of choice among the filmmakers.

"Through this event, we hoped that it will create an impact on the state and country as far as tourism is concern," he said.

The organisation of the festival was among the numerous efforts taken by the government to support the development of performing arts in the country as well as to raise the well-being of the artistes.

Abang Johari also announced a state government grant of RM10,000 to the Persatuan Penyanyi Anak Sarawak to carry out their activities.

Meanwhile, 21 Sarawak veteran artistes received contributions from the foundation during the ceremony.

The foundation chairman, Datuk DJ Dave said the formation of the foundation was the brainchild of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak who had always shown his concern over the welfare of the nation's artistes.

Apart from the one-off contributions for artistes, he said Najib had also agreed to assist artistes in the provision of insurance coverage and to review the royalties received for their works.

"Through the numerous supports by the government and the concerns shown by our Prime Minister, it is my hope that my fellow artistes would help to promote messages of our government through their works," he added.