AUSTRALIAN MALAYSIAN FILM FESTIVAL OPENS IN MELBOURNE

MELBOURNE, Oct 4 (Bernama) -– International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa
Mohamed has described film as an excellent means of fostering better
understanding and appreciation of the myriad of cultures and customs worldwide.

Officially opening the Australian Malaysian Film Festival here Saturday night,
the expressed delight that the festival, in its fourth year running, was
becoming increasingly popular with Australians.

Schools here are sending their students to view Malaysian films over the next
four days.

Mustapa congratulated festival organisers Indonesian-born Ade
Djajamihardja and his Aussie wife, Kate Stephens, as well as Malaysian project
manager Farah Al Amin, over their initiative to promote Malaysia as a great country
through film.

He said the Malaysian film industry was expanding rapidly and the country had
many gifted producers, directors, actors, technicians and others who churned out
award-winning films.

A new feature at this year's festival is the Malaysia Kitchen programme.

Malayia's Sydney-based Trade Commissioner Ong Yew Chee arranged for four
Malaysian restaurants here to provide delicious food for the opening night
audience.

Mustapa said the Malaysia Kitchen programme was already popular in the United
States and Britain and was fast gathering participants in Australia.

He said Australia had more than 280-known Malaysian restaurants which was more
than any other country.

The presence of Australia's 2010 Master Chef Adam Liaw caused a stir as almost
everyone asked to be photographed with him.

In a short speech, he said his own cookbook should be out early next year.