Brunei’s pioneering filmmaker, Siti Kamaluddin, made history as the first director from Brunei to attend the esteemed 61st Asia Pacific Film Festival (APFF), held from November 29 to December 1, 2024, at the Wyndham Ion Majestic Hotel in Genting Highlands, Pahang.
Kamaluddin represented Brunei Darussalam at the Federation of Motion Picture Association (FPA) Board Meeting, underscoring her role in strengthening Brunei’s international film presence.
The FPA aims to foster collaboration and co-production between countries within the Asia-Pacific region, a mission that aligns with Siti Kamaluddin’s vision of nurturing Brunei’s burgeoning film industry through international partnerships. As a key representative, she participated in discussions that sought to build bridges between nations, encouraging the growth of regional cinema and promoting cross-border creative projects.
Following the board meeting, Siti Kamaluddin participated in the 3rd Asia Pacific International Short Film Festival, where she had the honor of presenting the prize for Best Special Appearance. The festival showcased an array of creative works, with over 50 films from more than 25 countries, highlighting the diverse and dynamic film landscape of the Asia Pacific region. The festival also featured the screening of the 61st APFF’s Opening Film, ‘Indera’, a chilling Malaysian horror film starring Shaheizy Sam, Azira Shafinaz, and Samara Kenzo.
The Asia Pacific Film Festival, one of the longest-running film festivals in the region, serves as a crucial platform for filmmakers to share their stories, engage in cross-cultural exchange, and explore new avenues for collaboration.
For Siti Kamaluddin, this involvement marks an important step in her broader mission to elevate Brunei’s film industry on the international stage. Her participation in the APFF and FPA aligns with her ongoing efforts to support local filmmakers and create opportunities for Bruneian cinema within the global film community.
After her engagement at the 61st APFF, Siti Kamaluddin will return to Brunei to host her annual homegrown event, the Brunei Film Blitz, for its eighth year. This celebrated short film festival gathers filmmakers from across the Asia Pacific region to collaborate and mentor emerging talents. The festival’s highlight, the 96 Hour Film Blitz, challenges participants to create a short film in just 96 hours, fostering creativity, teamwork, and innovation. Siti continues to play a pivotal role in providing workshops and mentorship to aspiring filmmakers, contributing to the professional growth of Brunei’s film industry.
Siti Kamaluddin’s participation at the Asia Pacific Film Festival and her ongoing initiatives reinforce her commitment to developing Brunei’s film industry, encouraging regional collaboration, and offering valuable opportunities for the next generation of filmmakers.
