Under one roof - Guest and artists gathered under the cramped canopy due to the non-stop rain.

8 Aug - The non-stop rain last evening (7 August) put a literal dampener on the supposed grand opening ceremony of the 21st Malaysian Film Festival (FFM 2008), held at the open-air area of GSC Alamanda, Putrajaya.

As a result, the poor attendance of local actors and other invited guests compromised the launching. However, is the rain truly at fault for the poor turn up at such a big event, or was it always coming anyway? Whatever the reasons are, the dour mood last evening was quite a shame for the local scene.

Nonetheless, the appearance of newcomers like Liyana Jasmay, Raja Farah, Lisa Surihani, Eric Fuzi, Erynne Erynna and other industry players such as directors Hatta Azad Khan, Bade Hj Azmi, Ahmad Idham, producers David Teo, Gayatri Su-Lin Pillai, Norman Abdul Halim, actor Eman Manan and others, helped to salvage the ceremony. Themed 'retro and cabaret', the event was officiated by Dr. Muzahet Masruri, the General Secretary of Ministry of Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage (KeKKWa). Following that was the screening of two upcoming local films - "Wayang" and "Kami The Movie".

Singer Bienda performing her hit single "Penantian" before the launching ceremony.

FINAS strong man, Mahyidin Mustakim: "Come rain or shine, the show must go on!"

(L-R): Mahyidin Mustakim, Liyana Jasmay, Dr Muzahet and Jins Shamsuddin sharing laughs after the official launch.

Three-time Best Actor Eman Manan is having a good time with Cinnamon despite the poor turn up of local celebs.

Still, as noble and big as their dreams and objectives may seem, it seems like the organisers may need to reconsider the planning for next year's festival, as the poor attendance at the launch should be taken as a lesson for all.

(L-R) Actresses Lisa Surihani and Raja Farah among the budding talents who attended the event.

(L-R): Writer-director Dr. Hatta Azad Khan, actor Eman Manan, and actresses Liyana Jasmay and Lisa Surihani having a chat before the show starts.

This year's FFM21, as it is affectionately known, will be broadcast live from PICC Putrajaya over ASTRO Ria and Sinar FM on tomorrow 9 August at 8.30PM. It will also offer 13 premiere awards, 11 creative awards and 5 jury specials.

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