Malaysian filmmaker Kent Tan and Danica Sy from the Philippines won their respective categories in the seventh annual Brunei Film Blitz during the Gala Award at The Rizqun International Hotel on Wednesday.
Danica Sy’s Wishes won the open category netting BND3,000 while Kent Tan’s Good Boy was the 96-Hour Blitz winner taking home BND3,000. Meanwhile, Eyyan Wears a Hat directed by local filmmaker and Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia graduate Jazmeena Natasha and Syahmi Saifuddin bagged the Best of Mahakarya Award winning BND3,000.
Over 116 filmmakers submitted films from various parts of Southeast Asia including Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.
The Blitz Jury consisted of Malaysian Film Producer’s Association President Panchacharam P Nalliah, award winning actress Djenar Maesa Ayu and award winning director Rain Yamson III.
“We are impressed by the high standard and diversity of productions. This is a start of progressing the Southeast Asian film industry. The short films spark creative freedom that inspire,” the judges said.
The awards were presented by the Brunei Film Blitz international filmmakers Rachmania Arunita, Zarul Albakri, Azhar Kinoi Lubis; Indonesian actor Teuku Rifnu, Malaysian actor Ali Karimi as well as local actors Liyana Yus, Nadiah Wahid and Ian Zulkifli.
Producers Dato Nancie Foo, Datin Wendy Wong and Dr Danial Irawan as well as award winning directors Carlo Obispo and Christian Paulo Lat were also present at the event.
Juries also presented the Jury Award to Elbert Benares from the Philippines with his film Ang Kalayo Sa Gintungan and local Awangku Ahmad Alfathullah bin Pengiran Sellahuddin with his film Sesal. The juries said, “It was a hard verdict due to the quality of films shown by students, graduates and alumni of Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia.”
Festival director Siti Kamaluddin presented a special award for outstanding contribution to the Brunei film industry to Shafiee Mostar for his dedication, involvement and support in not only feature films but also films produced and directed by young and aspiring filmmakers.
The night also saw Bintang Search artists Hadi, Jaii and May Fadhil and a special duet between Big Stage 2023 champion Nadeera and Bintang Search 2023 champion Jaii marking a collaboration between creatives around the region. Nadeera ended the night with her single Emas.
The Brunei Film Blitz is held in conjunction with the Brunei December Festival. This year saw the screening of 15 films from around the world. – Adib Noor
