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Southeast Asia is one of the most culturally rich regions in the world with the ten ASEAN countries possessing fascinating landscapes, diverse ethnicities, and unique cultures. It is also a region of fast-paced economic growth, industrial development and urbanization. Hence, it is a region both of tradition and modernity, of contradictions and compromises which can provide rich material for film and photography.
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Being powerful and dynamic media, both film and photography have the ability to unveil the truth and can convey startling discoveries how life really is, especially when much of what we hear about distant lands and its peoples is clouded by misperceptions.
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Therefore, the US ASEAN Film and Photography Festival is a wonderful opportunity for US audiences to watch and enjoy the work of creative and talented ASEAN filmmakers and photographers about life in the ASEAN region. For this year’s screenings, there are films from Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam.
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We would do well to take advantage of a resurgent interest in all things Asian currently playing out in the US as witnessed by the extraordinary success of Asian films from China, Korea and India in the mainstream.
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Perhaps then this successful event can be brought to other venues and cities in the US with the help of more sponsors and Government agencies so that a larger cross section of the US public would be exposed to ASEAN and South-east Asia in general.
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It is also hoped that this would be a catalyst for further collaboration between the US and ASEAN in the area of film and photography. Future activities could include seminars and workshops for young, independent filmmakers in ASEAN.
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We are grateful for the endorsement provided by the ASEAN embassies in Washington and the sponsorship from National Geographic and the other partners and supporters in making this event a success.
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Grace Heritage has made a tremendous contribution to enriching and promoting ASEAN and Southeast Asia on the world stage. It deserves the support of all who are involved with ASEAN and Southeast Asia and want better relations and understanding between the United States and ASEAN.
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In particular, special appreciation goes to Ms. Karina Lee Sudyatmiko and Ms. Jasmine Wibisono, the founders of Grace Heritage, who have spearheaded this wonderful effort from the very beginning. They represent the youthful enterprising determination and energy that is ASEAN today.
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A special thank you goes to National Geographic Live. We are now in the wonderful premises of the National Geographic in Washington D.C.
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The ASEAN Secretariat is proud to be associated with this event.
