31 Dec – The ASEAN International Film Festival 2013 (AIFFA 2013) is set to premiere in Kuching, Sarawak from 28 to 30 March 2013 to provide a platform for networking and collaboration between filmmakers from the Southeast Asian region, Hollywood and Bollywood as well as the travel industry a boost. According to Livan Tajang, the director of AIFFA 2013, the idea for this event has long been in mind since the end of 2011 and was finally realised after having its endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and support from the Ministry of Information, Communications & Culture Malaysia, Ministry of Foreign Affairs (ASEAN-Malaysia ASEAN Secretariat) and Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (FINAS). "On the first night of the festival, which is on the 28th of March itself, screenings of various films will be made at Sarawak Cultural Village, the same venue where the Rainforest World Music Festival was held. Filmmakers and fans alike will have the opportunity to watch films throughout the night at the longhouses apart from networking with each other," said Livan in her speech delivered during launch of AIFFA 2013 at Royal Chulan Hotel today. 10 countries will be participating in this prestigious event, which include Malaysia, Philippines, Vietnam, Lao PDR, Singapore, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, Brunei Darussalam and Cambodia. However, only films made between 1 January 2012 and 1 February 2013 are qualified for submission. Apart from that, AIFFA 2013 will also have a short film competition which had already begun since June 2012. Divided into two categories, the first category is exclusive for students whereas the latter is open to the public. The red carpet gala night is scheduled to be on the last day of the festival, where awards will be given to winners of various categories such as best film, director and actor/actress. What is even more interesting on that night is the inclusion of "Spirit of ASEAN Award" category, an award that's given to film that best reflects the true spirit of Southeast Asia. Special guests of the event included Steven Bernard, a consultant from Hollywood with a broad experience in the film industry who will provide his full co-operation with AIFFA 2013 to assist in ensuring the festival is on par with other international film festivals.