Written By : Imran Razib
PETALING JAYA: The 12th edition of the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) returns with its second online outing since the pandemic, featuring 38 selections for film aficionados to enjoy in the safety and comfort of their homes.
The lineup includes entries from Indonesia, Spain, Germany, Vietnam, New Zealand, Argentina, the United States and, of course, Malaysia.
Among them, Indonesia’s “Sugar on a Weaver’s Chair” or “Empu” tells the story of three women who push the boundaries of norms and traditions as they face challenges in their daily lives.
“Champions” from Spain, meanwhile, is a funny and touching film based on the true story of a group of intellectually disabled persons who have their own basketball team, and the new coach who needs to learn how to work with them.
There will also be a programme of shorts created through collaborations with the Freedom Film Network and Mini Film Fest, highlighting the work of young, emerging filmmakers from around Malaysia and the region.
These include nine films nominated by the judges for the Zoom10 Filmmakers’ Competition Awards, the results of which will be announced on the final day of the festival along with a Q&A with the directors of the winning films.
In addition, four webinars will be conducted on the role of physically and mentally disabled people in the workplace; indie films and the role of film festivals; indigenous voices in film; and how censorship affects filmmakers in East Malaysia.
For more information on the lineup of movies and events, visit KKIFF’s website by clicking here, where you can also register.
The festival runs from this Wednesday to Sunday and is open to those in Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. There is a one-off fee of RM20, while registration for students is free.
