THE First Kuala Lumpur International Film Academy Awards 2024 (KLIFAA) weaves a vibrant global cultural tapestry.
According to its chairman, Tan Sri Tengku Azlan Sultan Abu Bakar, KLIFAA aspires to nurture cross-cultural bonds, cultivate a united global community through the expressive medium of film, and highlight the profound cultural significance of Kuala Lumpur, a city synonymous with culture and creativity.
MONUMENTAL EVENT
"We plan to have this monumental event with all of its splendour annually in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. If all goes well, we could have it increased to twice or thrice a year," said Tengku Azlan at the launch of KLIFAA in the National Film Development Corporation's (Finas) Petaling Jaya office in Jalan Utara, Petaling Jaya recently.
The launch was also attended by KLIFAA president Dr Hasan Hamzah, its festival director Datin Paduka Shuhaimi Baba, its vice-chairman Datuk Afdlin Shauki, its executive director Zafor Firoze, its programme director Zaini Hassan, Finas chairman Datuk Kamil Othman and Finas chief executive officer Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib.
CINEMATIC TREASURES
Tengku Azlan said that KLIFAA extended a warm invitation to the world, gathering cinematic treasures that resonated with the shared values and artistic aspirations of humanity.
"Esteemed professionals of international stature will grace our prestigious international jury.
"Our inaugural KLIFAA theme, 'Inspiring Brilliance, Igniting Passion', sets the stage for a gala, where 49 prestigious awards across six categories namely Film, TV Drama, Documentary, Short Film, Special Mentions and the P. Ramlee Awards take centre stage."
FEATURE FILMS
The event will also have producer networking and thought- provoking summits and workshops.
It will be held at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre in Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur from Aug 7 to 11.
The Feature Film category has 16 awards namely Best Film, Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Original Score, Best Visual Effects, Lifetime Achievement Award, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Adapted Film, Best Playback Singer Male and Best Playback Singer Female.
The TV Drama category's 11 awards are Best TV Drama, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Cinematography, Best Original Score, Best Editing and Best Adapted TV Drama.
SPECIAL MENTIONS
The Documentary category has four awards namely Best Documentary, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Editing.
The Short Film category comprises the Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Editing.
The Special Mentions category comprises the Outstanding Organisation Award, Exemplary Entertainment Network, Asia's Top OTT, Global Media Impact Award, Leadership in Broadcasting Award, Media Visionary of the Year and Entertainment Journalism Award.
P. RAMLEE AWARDS
The P. Ramlee Awards comprise the Lifetime Achievement for Film, Lifetime Achievement for TV Drama, Lifetime Achievement for Music, Lifetime Achievement for Journalism, Lifetime Achievement for Film Organisation, Lifetime Achievement for Writing and Lifetime Achievement for Media.
Tengku Azlan said: "KLIFAA aspires to be more than just an awards ceremony, it aims to be a platform for cultural exchange and will highlight diversity, artistic excellence and inclusivity in the global film and television industry.
"Accreditation for this event is available to filmmakers, artistes, producers, industry professionals, journalists and television crews.
"The festival aims to bridge cultures and inspire creativity on a global scale and will celebrate emerging talents, nurture creativity and recognise exceptional achievements in feature films, dramas, short films and documentaries."
50 COUNTRIES
Artistes and filmmakers are invited to join it the festival by submitting their works for competition from March 1 to May 31.
For enquiries visit www.klifaa.com.
Zafor said that KLIFAA will see participation from 20 to 50 countries and the organisers hoped to have some of the world's renowned filmmakers such as Iran's Majid Majidi conduct workshops or attend the main event.
"Another big name we hope to invite is Harry Potter author and producer J.K. Rowling of the United Kingdom.
"We will dedicate one day to the screening of films by Palestinian filmmakers," he said.
FROM UNIVERSITIES
Afdlin said: "Festivals help us learn from the best global filmmakers, and they help expose creative people from our universities. By joining international festivals our filmmakers will build up their experiences and grow in their craft."
TWO TO THREE FILMS
Zaini said that the festival was a great way to market homegrown films for the international market and raise filmmaking standards.
"Each country will have two to three films in the festival. It is a great avenue to prepare us for 2025, the year Malaysia becomes chairman of Asean and organises a major film festival for the Southeast Asian region."
Azmir said that KLIFAA helped position Malaysia as a regional player in the international film industry.