Kuala Lumpur - A painting on a kilometre-long cloth entitled "Jendela Dunia" (Window of the World) by artist S. Amin Shahab and free screening of films by the Malaysian National Film Development Corporation (Finas) are among the attractions at the Malaysia Week 2008 to be held for five days in London starting July 30.
Deputy Secretary General (Heritage) of the Unity, Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry, Datuk Nor Azmal Mohd Nazir, said Tuesday the third annual programme was aimed at promoting Malaysian arts and culture to the international community.
"This year, we will add two more programmes – the painting exhibition by the National Art Gallery and free screening of local films such as “Sepi”, “Duyung”, “Apa Kata Hati”, “Congkak”, “1957 Hati Malaya” and “Evolusi KL Drift”," he told reporters after witnessing the soft launch of the programme at the Istana Budaya, here.
He said the programme will be held at Potters Fields Park, just a few metres away from the world-famous London Bridge.
Between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors are expected daily, as the event coincides with the summer holidays.
"Our aim is to commercialise our culture, arts and heritage, which could help generate the country`s economy.
"It is hoped that the songket and batik fashion shows, handicraft exhibition and traditional dances would entice tourists to visit Malaysia," he said.
Apart from the arts and cultural performances, Nor Azmal said, the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) had also agreed to sponsor Malaysian fruits to be distributed to the visitors at the programme.
He said the ministry also planned to hold an exhibition of museum products next year in cooperation with the Museums Department.
Source: http://www.bernama.com (23 Juli 2008)