Explore the Brunei Content Festival’s impact on the local broadcasting landscape.
The Brunei Content Festival (BCF) returned this year, bigger and brighter than ever, illuminating the talents of Bruneian content creators, producers, directors, and filmmakers.
Hosted annually by the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), the BCF serves as a catalyst for innovation and creativity, as one of the initiatives under AITI’s role in developing the broadcasting industry.
The event not only celebrates the achievements of content creators but also strives to foster the development of high-quality digital content with commercial viability, suitable for distribution on television, Over-the-Top (OTT) providers such as RTBGo, Progresif Media, as well as social media and other digital platforms.
BCF: A PLATFORM FOR PROGRESS
The participation in the BCF 2023 Awards spanned from May 15 to June 23, attracting a substantial pool of 131 entries. Following rigorous evaluation, a total of 96 submissions were deemed to meet the competition’s qualifications and criteria.
The BCF 2023 Screening and Exhibition took place from September 8 to 10, offering public screenings of short films, dramas, advertisements, and music videos produced by local production companies, students and individuals vying for recognition in the BCF 2023 Awards.
Over these three days, industry experts and representatives shared their valuable knowledge and experiences cultivated throughout their careers.
The much-anticipated BCF 2023 Awards Night unfolded on September 12, marking a celebratory conclusion to this grand event.
Senior Manager at AITI, Rosnani Hj Md Yussof said that the overall response for this year’s BCF has been overwhelmingly positive and encouraging, noting the significant increase in participants compared to last year.
“This alone shows there is a demand in recognising and promoting local content in which majority of the local content creators look forward for next year’s content festival event.”
She shared how the Screening and Exhibition was an eye opener for the public both local and international who were surprised with the good quality of Brunei’s locally produced content and the capabilities of its production companies.
“Public viewership remains a vital role to support the local content industry for it to flourish locally and also to venture internationally.”
For this reason, she continued, AITI introduced the KontenKitani.bn portal, a dedicated online platform designed to serve as a space for local content creators to exhibit their portfolios and expertise.
“Brunei boasts a wealth of untapped talent and creative minds, which can be harnessed to create high-quality content of great value.
“Additionally, our country offers a plethora of captivating filming locations that local content creators can leverage.”
The senior manager went on to reaffirm AITI’s commitment to bolstering the local content industry.
This commitment involves enhancing exposure to international film festivals, elevating talent through capacity-building programmes, and fostering avenues for co-production with international platforms and channels.
NEW OPPORTUNITIES AND UNDERSTANDING
During the BCF 2023 Screening and Exhibition, content, services and talents from a variety of production companies and institutions of higher learning were showcased.
One of the exhibitors included Oddbox Media and Communications, a versatile creative agency and production house, which promoted its capabilities through various activities.
These included portfolio presentations, casting calls, and portfolio reviews for creatives. Participants received goodies when they explored Oddbox’s AR/VR game, flipbook project, and a creative knowledge quiz.
Dean of The Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia, Dr Alex Fischer together with Dr Yong Liu of University Brunei Darussalam were also present at the event to deliver a talk on the first data-driven study that investigates the economic and social effectiveness of feature film production over the past decade.
“Long form film productions, such as feature films, are “economic engines” of most motion picture industries due to large production budgets, sizable employment opportunities and highly developed exhibition infrastructures.”
He added that despite the considerable increase in feature film production in Brunei, there is very little evidence to suggest locally-made, long form productions are performing as “economic engines as 95 per cent of all locally made feature films, in Brunei’s film history, were between 2013 – 2023.”
A STELLAR SELECTION AND RISING POTENTIAL
The BCF 2023 jury consisted of representatives from Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports (MCYS), Radio Televisyen Brunei (RTB), Progresif Media, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD) and local industry experts.
Media Team Lead of Progresif Media and member of the jury, Olivia Ong said that the submissions for this year’s festival were proof of a growing content creation industry in Brunei, with fresh new faces and talents both on and off screen.
Senior Principal Assistant Director, Creative and Technical Department of FINAS, Kamaruza’ain Abdul Kadir, another jury member said that the entries this year had its own narrative appeal. However, there are still some aspects that need improvement.
He explained that to foster the growth of the local content creation industry, it is crucial for the local scene to focus on the development of human capital.
This, he said, can be achieved through exposure to the latest production technology, offering skills training, and establishing strategic collaborations with foreign nations to promote and introduce Brunei’s creative content.
Head of the jury, Film and TV Producer Nurain Abdullah believed that in order to further develop the industry, the Sultanate needs more and consistent platforms for constructive exchange of ideas, experience and knowledge transfer.
“As content creators, we need to watch contents made by other creators too, be it local, regional and international. So that we can evaluate our own contents, where we are standing right now and how we can improve.”
A NEW CONSTELLATION OF STARS
Winners of the BCF 2023 conveyed their heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to AITI for hosting the event and providing an essential platform for local content creators to shine.
Wardah Hakimah binti Haji Gulihana, who won Best Short Film with her first ever short film, ‘Cinta dan Harapan’, credited her start in the genre and medium to AITI, having joined the Young Content Maker Short Video Competition in September 2020.
“After the competition, AITI gave me an opportunity to make my own film, and it was initiative from AITI to make a 30-minute short drama. I was able to learn and create my own drama.”
Meanwhile, Muhammad Adam Chong, who won Best Music Video for the song ‘Leka’ by Fauzan and Fathin AMJ, shared that his motivation to create content was mainly to educate and to leave a lasting impact that is imbued with Islamic values.
Best Actor winner, Shafiee Mostar felt deeply moved from receiving the award, proceeding to extend his gratitude to not only AITI but also the friends and mentors that have provided the actor guidance in the field of performance art.
For Best Actress, Nabilah Hamid, she admitted to having more room for growth in her journey as an actress. This recognition, she added, is more of indication of how far she has come as an actress.
“It is a nice motivation to keep going and growing.”
Sharing his advice to aspiring local content creators, the winner for Best Drama, Iskandar Karim who won with ‘I want to be #FEMES’ urged local creators to “keep telling stories you are passionate about.”
“Keep learning. Be kind to each other. It’s not a race. Focus on quality, not quantity. Work hard. Be patient. Invest in yourself and in time to grow.”
