Q : What motivated you to take part in SAFF Project Market?
A : My name is Abdul Zainidi. I’m an indie filmmaker and have been educated in Busan Asian Film School, and an alumni of Tokyo Talents and American Film Showcase. I have always been very active in joining workshops and felt privileged to be selected for them and gaining more experience as a filmmaker and producer. The SAFF project market is no exception. Having previously read all the testimonials and seen some fellow filmmakers take part I was also urged to give it a try. And it was also an opportunity for my film project ‘Rumah Kumbang’ to gain more exposure as a Brunei project.
I also saw that in previous years there has been no participant from Brunei so I naturally applied as I have a reputation in Brunei for promoting a ‘different side of Brunei’. To help our industry gain more exposure as it were.
Q : How have your participation in the SAFF Project Market helps you in your career, or for the development of your project?
A : In terms of what I gained from SAFF, I definitely networked a lot during SAFF and gained contacts that have till now helped and given not only ‘Rumah Kumbang’ exposure but also my previous work such as ‘vanishing children’ and my feature film ‘worm and the widow’. I believe that selected for this workshop and market also gives us a chance to meet other filmmakers and producers who eventually become close acquaintances. Friends and even contacts that roll onto a more bigger scope. I also became more acquainted with Singapore and was lucky to be mostly at lavish Marina Bay ,where it was such a treat for the eye thank you justin. The hotel we were residing in courtesty of SAFF was also very cozy and delightful. I made friends here and also shopped at nearby Mustafa in my free time.
Q : What would your advice be for those intending to take part in this year’s SAFF Project Market?
A : My advice is to seize the opportunity. It’s an honour to represent your country and be invited to a market and you literally can meet as many people who are vital to your project as you can. The days are limited so you probably need to drink a lot of coffee and network but that’s ok you can sleep once you are home in your own country. I was grateful indeed. Thanks!