14 Sep – Still reeling from the Malaysia Film Festival which ended last August, another film festival – the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival (KLIFF07) – was officially launched on the night of 11 September at the Cineleisure Damansara courtyard, attended by celebrities and industry heavyweights. The film festival is jointly organised by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) and Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival Sdn Bhd (KLIFFSB), under the patronage of Y. A. B. Dato' Seri Mohd Najib Tun Razak, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia.

Among those present at the launch was Chairman of FINAS Dato' Jins Shamsuddin, Head of Director of FINAS En. Mohd Mahyidin Mustakim, and President of Film Distributors Association of Malaysia En. Ahmad Puad Onah. Attending celebrities include local TV host and actor Azizan Nin, star of local film "Anak Halal" Bront Palarae, as well as local TV personality Norman Abdul Halim.

The festival is aimed at developing and promoting co-operation amongst film-makers around the world in creative, technical and marketing aspects; whilst fostering closer friendships amongst countries and its people; and celebrating cultural diversity through popular celluloid media.

Guests at the launch.	A stage was erected at Cineleisure Damansara courtyard.

It will be held from 28 November to 2 December in conjunction with Malaysia's 50th Year of Independence and Visit Malaysia Year 2007 with the theme of "Celebrating Cultural Diversity".

Exciting programmes have been planned in line with the festival, ranging from film screenings and grand premieres to symposiums and exhibitions. The highlight will the Awards Night, broadcasting live on national television to recognise the organisations and individuals who have excelled in the film industry, be it art house or mainstream motion pictures.

Dato' Jins Shamsuddin talking at the press conference.

Dato' Jins Shamsuddin said at a press conference after the launch of KLIFF07: "We are bringing together local and international juries for the Awards Night to bring forth our name to a global level. Our films are winning awards at film festivals all over the world and this is a great opportunity to create a name for ourselves on our own soil."

To date, KLIFF07 have received nominations from North America, South America, Europe, Asia and Africa, ranging from independent productions houses to major US-based production companies.

Top speakers from all over the world will gather for the symposium to share their knowledge and experience with the objective of engaging industry professionals on an intellectual platform and stimulate the growth of the Asian film industry. Subjects include "Co-production", "Film Distribution", "Film Funding", "Filming CGI", "Post-production & Visual Effects" and "Making 3D Motion Picture". Invited guest speakers will also present a key note address on "Asian Film Market & Intellectual Property Protection", "Digital Cinemas", "Locations Malaysia" and many more.

The much-anticipated motion picture "Long Road To Heaven" will also make its grand premiere and KLIFF07 on 30 November as one of the three Grand Premieres scheduled during the festival.

KLIFF07 PROGRAMME

DAY 1

Date: 28th November 2007
Event: Opening Ceremony
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 8.00pm

DAY 2

Date: 29th November 2007
Event: Exhibition
Venue: Cineleisure Damansara
Time: 11.30am until 9.30pm

Date: 29th November 2007
Event: Symposium – Co Production
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 9.30am to 12.30pm

Date: 29th November 2007
Event: Symposium – Filming CGI
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Date: 29th November 2007
Event: Grand Premiere "Hollywood Night"
Venue: Cathay, Cineleisure Damansara
Time: 8.00pm

DAY 3

Date: 30th November 2007
Event: Exhibition
Venue: Cineleisure, Damansara
Time: 11.30am until 9.30pm

Date: 30th November 2007
Event: Symposium – Film Funding
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 9.30pm to 12.30pm

Date: 30th November 2007
Event: Symposium – Film Distribution
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Date: 30th November 2007
Event: Grand Premiere "Asian Night"
Venue: Cathay, Cineleisure Damansara
Time: 8.00pm

DAY 4

Date: 1st December 2007
Event: Exhibition
Venue: Cineleisure, Damansara
Time: 11.30am until 9.30pm

Date: 1st December 2007
Event: Symposium – Post Production & Visual Effects
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 9.30pm to 12.30pm

Date: 1st December 2007
Event: Symposium – Making 3D Motion Picture
Venue: KL Tower, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 2.00pm to 5.00pm

Date: 1st December 2007
Event: Grand Premiere "Malaysian Night"
Venue: Cathay, Cineleisure Damansara
Time: 8.00pm

DAY 5

Date: 2nd December 2007
Event: Exhibition
Venue: Cineleisure, Damansara
Time: 11.30am until 5pm

Date: 2nd December 2007
Event: Awards Night
Venue: Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Time: 8.00pm

Note:
There will be daily screenings of selected films participating in KIFF07 at Cathay Cineleisure Damansara. The screening times are at 1pm, 3pm, 5pm, 7pm, 9pm and 11pm daily from 29 November until 2 December 2007. However, there will be no screenings at 9pm and 11pm on 2 December 2007. Full listings will be available on www.klfilmfest.com by middle of November 2007.