Film fest impresses everyone on M'sia
Published on: Thursday, October 23, 2014
KOTA KINABALU: Meaningful connections between locals and film experts were forged at this year's Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) that was held from June 1-12 this year.On behalf of American film director, James Redford, The US Embassy Cultural Affairs Officer, Arend C. Zwartjes said that his visit to Malaysia was a life changing experience. "It really changed the way he thought about Muslim majority countries, about Malaysia and about Borneo. For us, this is why it was worth it because we not only can help in a small way to change the way that maybe Sabahans view the United States and Americans, but also bring someone who is quite influential in the US and change how he views Malaysians. It's the reason we do these exchange programmes," added Arend.
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"And we are passionate about helping young filmmakers in Sabah."Arend who was interviewed in KK was here as part of the Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF).The KKIFF is an annual event which comprises of international and Malaysian movie screenings, a pitching forum, talks / special lectures, master classes, film shootings, tutoring sessions, SYNC10 (a competition), the Sabah Film Academy and basically, a variety of very educational, hands-on experience in film making and everything related to it.Mentors for the Sabah Film Academy sessions were their Dean and Director Marcus Vetter, a Film Director from Germany, Film Editor Jacques Comets from France, Composer Miriam Cutler from the United States, and Cinematographer Filus Ghazali from Malaysia.
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Miriam Cutler who was brought in by the US government, is an Award Winning Composer based in Los Angeles, USA.With 25 years of experience, she has an extensive background scoring for independent films and TV projects.
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Having worked on over 100 films, her passion for documentary films have led to a focus on non-fiction, which includes Oscar nominated Kingspoint and Poster Girl, Emmy nominated Ethel, Vito, Thin and Desert of Forbidden Arts as well as Emmy winning Ghost of Abu Grahib. She is also a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences."As far as documentary films go, it's very challenging. You have to be a real self-starter," said Miriam during her first visit to the state and country." You need to seek out opportunities. It's quite different than following the beaten path. Usually, it starts with being passionate about telling a story. That's what can drive you, give you the strength to work very hard, be willing to make sacrifices, and helps you keep at it and not give up."When you start shooting your film, it could change so you have to be resourceful, and flexible.It's a little bit like journalism. You need to follow the story where it takes you.It's not necessarily going to go where you think it should.You should be able to identify the story and stay with it even if it changes from your intentions," advised Miriam.She also recommended locals to branch out to neighbouring countries. "Tap into the international community.There's a whole entire world to sell your movies to.""There is an international documentary community. There are international documentary associations, opportunities for funding, festivals, blogs, online communities. Google for information and see what comes up.""There might be an interest to know about the stories here.Look for stories that people haven't heard of. See if there's a school programme.Contact the Sabah Film Academy. Maybe those interested won't qualify, but by contacting, they would get the info on how to qualify.""If you have the drive to do it, just do it and see what happens.If you have faith and you keep at it, something will come out of it.It's like being an artist, if you have the drive, someone will start taking notice."Meanwhile, Jaques Comets, a Prominent Editor from Paris, France said that through the eight days of mentoring, he noticed that most of the Sabahans who participated in the KKIFF do not watch films. "How do I know this? Through their work.Their models of production are based on what can be seen on TV. It's basically, very Americanised."Jaques said that there are many ways to get to where you want. "But, from personal experience, it's not how to get into the industry, but to have a desire to make films or even to be associated with it.""And to be in the industry, you have to watch films. "You can not be an editor, a producer or director if you don't like watching films. "My background wasn't in film. I studied French literature. I worked in the industry as part of an internship and started to climb from there.""The good news is, everyone was involved during the workshop. Participants were very inquisitive," he said."They wanted to know which movies to watch. Miriam, Marcus and I have been discussing to send a list of 10 films for them to watch," added Jacques."Even Shoemakers, must look around, do research on how other shoes are made.""There are different paths…There are many ways to get to where you want. Do it one step at a time. Think…look around…observe.Be involved in world problems.""People who like to think, people who are observant, people who want to involve themselves in problems around them are suitable for this career."Jacques has edited and produced 41 films since 1986. He has been involved in editing several feature films in Morocco, Palestine, Colombia, Lebanon and Vietnam.Marcus Vetter, on the other hand was the Sabah Film Academy Dean and Director - an acclaimed filmmaker.His films have received attention at national and international film festivals.Among them include The Tunnel (1999), My Father The Turk (2006), Heart of Jenin (2008), Hunger (2009), Cinema of Jenin (2011) and The International Criminal Court (2012).When asked for his comments, he pointed out that there are many festivals in the world. "There are A festivals, B festivals and C festivals.But focus on the small festivals, especially the KKIFF."He recommended locals to surf on web sites such as: www.sundance.org and www.idfa.nl/nl.aspxTop Malaysian Cinematographer, Filus Ghazali, when approached said that locals should scour for networks in Asian countries first. "The best place to start is your own country then branch out to other neighbouring countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, Japan, and Korea.""Participants can get more information on the internet through Google.Consulting representatives at Finas could also help them tap into their natural talent.""Enrolling at a university or college is also a good option. Among reputableSchools for filmmaking in Malaysia include Aswara, Lim Kwok Wing, and UiTM."Among movies Filus has been involved in include Pontianak Harum Sundal Malam, Waris Jari Hantu, Tanda Putera and Cicak Man.The comment of KKIFF Advisor, David Ngui was also sought. David believes that good marketing can make a mediocre movie very popular and generate good ratings."Do not be afraid to ask for what people want and produce according to their requests."Also present at the event was Jared Abdul Rahman –FilmmakerBased in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia under the Amadis Project - an independent film production house.As one of the judges for the SYNC10 competition, he said that just because a person is not good at something, it doesn't meanthey are going to stay that way. "Keep making films, and keep learning. Enrol in a proper film course or watch a lot of films. Don't give up!"Hassan Muthalib, the Father of Malaysian animation, another judge for the SYNC10 competition said that almost all of the participants have no formal training in film whatsoever."They are amateurs, yet produce such outstanding and amazing films, especially the winners! They caught me by surprise! I'm impressed with this year's participants for both the Sabah Film Academy and SYNC10."His comment was echoed by Award Winning Filipino Film Director, Nick Deocampo who said that there's promising talent here. Nick played a major role during the Sabah Pitching Forum. He also conducted master classes in directing and scriptwriting. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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