This year’s edition of the Brunei Film Blitz will bring you an exciting line-up of events which will be held at Brunei’s first dedicated arts establishment, Mahakarya Institute of Arts Asia, from December 9 to 28.

Aspiring filmmakers will be able to attend workshops, local and international film screenings, as well as the chance to participate in film making competition dubbed the 96-Hour Film Blitz.

These activities have all been organised as part of the annual Brunei December Festival.

To introduce locals to independent films from around the world, there will be a several movie screenings from the United States, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Korea, Japan, Indonesia, France and Australia

Also in the line-up is “Wayang Kitani”, where participants can get involved in a community outreach programme to promote the film industry in Brunei Darussalam. The programme includes a series of local panels discussions and dialogues on what should be done to drive the film industry in the sultanate.

Interested participants will have a chance to attend classes and workshops run by academics and industry professionals, on topics such as directing, cinematography, short films, and making films on a budget.

Speaking to the media, festival director Siti Kamaluddin said all events are open to the public.

To watch any of the screenings or attend the workshops, members of the public are encouraged to register at the Brunei Film Blitz website to reserve their spots.

96-Hour Film Blitz 2018

Siti also encouraged everyone to take part in the 96-Hour Film Blitz 2018 competition where participants are challenged produce a three to six minutes short film in just four days.

A “secret ingredient” will be announced on December 24 and contestants have until December 27 to finish their short films.

The winner will be announced during the gala awards night on December 29, and will receive a two-year Diploma in Screen and Media, sponsored by Progresif Cellular, at the Mahakarya Institute of Arts Asia.

Mahakarya, which will be located at Plaza Athirah, will be launched in 2019 as Brunei’s first filmmaking college.

“Brunei (still) has a lot of beautiful stories to tell visually,” said Siti. “Therefore this is an amazing reward for the participants. I believe education is important and we should have the opportunity to be trained to produce captivating films.”

Registration for the Brunei Film Blitz is now open until December 20. To register and find out more, visit their website.