JAKARTA, 6 October 2025 — The future of filmmaking and social change converged in Jakarta as the ASEAN Public Relations Network (APRN), in collaboration with LSPR Institute of Communication and Business and World Communication Network, Malaysia, successfully launched the ASEAN UniFest Kick-Off & Road to AIFFA 2025. Held on 6 October 2025, in conjunction with International Student Mobility Day, the event marks the official start of a biennial festival dedicated to celebrating the region’s best student films, promoting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The launch event, hosted at the Prof. Dr. Djajusman Auditorium & Performance Hall at LSPR, highlighted the powerful role of youth voices in driving awareness, innovation, and positive change through the medium of short films.
Empowering the Next Generation of ASEAN Storytellers
The event drew an enthusiastic crowd and featured motivating addresses from key regional figures.
Dr. (H.C) Prita Kemal Gani, MBA, MCIPR, APR, FIPR, President of the ASEAN PR Network, inspired attendees to pursue excellence without compromise. “Congratulations on your great work and courage to join the ASEAN Scala Festival! The number one lesson I can offer is to become so skilled, so vigilant, so flat out fantastic at what you do, that your talent cannot be dismissed,” she stated.
The event featured renowned Indonesian actor and ASEAN UniFest juror, Kaan Lativan, as a guest speaker. He emphasised the transformative power of film, saying, “I’ve always believed that film is not just a form of entertainment, but a powerful medium to awaken our awareness. I can’t wait to see what everyone creates, the stories that may reveal new perspectives I’ve never known before. I hope this event inspires young students to express their creativity through films that explore important issues.”
Mr. Andrew Trigg, Chairman of ASEAN UniFest, reinforced the festival’s mission, expressing his “high hopes for young filmmakers to emerge in the ASEAN Film Industry,” and trusting that both ASEAN UniFest and AIFFA will do their best to appreciate ASEAN creators.
Inauguration of ASEAN UniFest Kick Off & Road to AIFFA 2025
The Road to the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA)
This kick-off officially paves the way for the prestigious ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards (AIFFA) 2025.
Ms. Livan Tajang, Festival Director of AIFFA, officially welcomed delegates to the main event. “Welcome to the ASEAN International Film Festival and Awards 2025. This all will be happening in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia, from 12–15 November 2025,” she announced, thanking the Indonesian delegation and the UniFest board. She confirmed that the winning works from the ASEAN UniFest will be specially showcased during the festival on November 12th. “We have a whole range of exciting programs and activities waiting for you in Kuching!”
Call for Submissions: Your Film, Your Voice
The ASEAN UniFest is still open for submissions, inviting university students across all ten ASEAN member states to participate. This is a premier opportunity for young creatives to showcase their work on a major regional platform and contribute to the vital conversation surrounding the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Filmmakers interested in submitting their short films are encouraged to visit the official ASEAN UniFest website for submission details and deadlines.
