| Aziz Idris |
A WEDDING videographer from the Belait District, Wan Amirul Azizan turned into an overnight film sensation last night, winning the hearts of a panel of professional judges to bag the top award of the second edition of Brunei Film Blitz.
Minister of Primary Resources and Tourism Dato Seri Setia Awang Haji Ali bin Haji Apong presented the award at the ceremony held at Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia in Batu Satu.
The 29-year-old won the grand prize of a two-year diploma in screen and media at Mahakarya Institute of the Arts Asia sponsored by Progresif for his film Yang Hilang Akan Berganti.
A group of high school filmmakers, meanwhile, received the Special Mention Award and a Canon Powershot SX70 camera sponsored by Interhouse Company for their short film Candas.
The Jury Award went to Yit Chuan Lee, who directed Mr Rook.
Six shortlisted films were screened during the ceremony: Mr Rook, Candas Sisters, Yang Hilang Akan Berganti, Story of Anne, Room 210EQ and Candas.
Prior to the commencement of the award ceremony, Brunei Film Blitz Director Siti Kamaluddin noted in her welcoming remarks that, “Film education is also important in order to acquire the right skills in accordance with industry standards.”
She praised all participants in this year’s competition for the variety of genres and level of creativity shown in the short films based on the secret ingredient Candas.
This year’s edition of Brunei Film Blitz had 20 final entries from a whopping 800 participants, who underwent an intensive three-week film education experience and the 96-Hour Blitz challenge – during which they created their three-to six-minute-long films – before they were shortlisted.
Participants attended master classes by Professor Mark Shephard, workshops by filmmakers from Brunei, Indonesia, and the Philippines, as well as international screenings from Japan, France, Korea, India, Nepal, the Philippines, Pakistan, the United States and Australia.
Also present at the awards ceremony were members of the Diplomatic Corps and sponsors that have supported Brunei Film Blitz 2018.
The shortlisted films will continue to be developed and curated for submission to the Yala International Independent Film Festival for a chance to be showcased overseas.