Sarawak Millennium Film Festival 2002

Abstract

The inaugural edition of the SMFF transpired over seasonal monsoon spells in the Malaysian state of Sarawak.An official first for Malaysia, the SMFF is a project by the state government and organised by the Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) in Kuching. There have been previous attempts by various industry parties (mainly in Kuala Lumpur) to establish the country's introductory film festival, but the continual lack of funding has ensured that this prospect remained a dream, until now. So it is with much anticipation that the SMFF joins the spirited posse of young Southeast Asian film festivals, behind Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines. With a primary mission to trace the dynamics of Southeast Asia's cinemas, the SMFF's other objectives include promoting the region's independent and student films, sharing problems, exploring new technologies in distribution and exhibition, and networking for co-operative efforts, investment and financing.It's also opportune that the birth of the SMFF comes...