As a local design agency, AICREATIVV always hopes to inspire our team members to broaden their horizons and venture into new possibilities.
Recently, our team members Mahmud Aziizi and ex-intern Muhammad Alimin participated in the ASEAN ROK Film Leaders Incubator (FLY) Programme.
After the vigorous and insightful programme, they shared more about their journey and insights.
Aziizi’s Passion for Production
For Mahmud Aziizi, AICREATIVV’s Creative Designer, the FLY Programme wasn’t just another filmmaking workshop—it was a long-awaited opportunity.
Introduced to the programme through past participants, it was Amin Ab in 2021 who planted the seed of ambition, even cautioning him about its intensity.
“Back then, I was just starting out in the creative industry and he wasn’t wrong—it’s a rigorous programme. But his words stayed with me.”
At the time, Aziizi juggled part-time work at a cafe and projects with 247 Studios, drawing inspiration from FLY alum and 247 co-founder Amali. When the 2024 applications opened, he hesitated until the last minute.
“On deadline day, my friend Alimin and I were in full panic mode. But with encouragement and frantic prep—videos, forms and recommendation letters—we hit submit!”
Amaru Jumat, AICREATIVV’s Head of Media, Lead Producer, guided Aziizi through the process and boosted his chances with a recommendation letter.
He also leaned on advice from Aaqilull Qhaeer, AICREATIVV’s Media Officer who had just participated in the programme the year before.
Aziizi felt that the support from AICREATIVV’s team and a filmmaking mentor helped him secure a spot. It felt surreal when they found out through Facebook.
“It was like the universe saying, ‘Hey, you made it.’”
A Crash Course in Filmmaking
The 70-day programme was an intensive introduction to filmmaking, from pre-production to post-production. It started with two months of late-night online meetings, coordinating across time zones and weekend updates with mentors.
Once in Laos, the work ramped up—finalising cast, scouting locations, rehearsals and workshops on lighting and equipment. After a few days of on-site prep, they shot their film in just four days.
“My day job as a creative designer at AICREATIVV involves different kinds of creative work, but this was a chance to fully dive into filmmaking—a passion i’d only scratched the surface of.”
His favourite part? The nightly team meetings.
“We’d debrief or geek out over films for fun. Those late nights built strong bonds and that camaraderie made the experience unforgettable!”
Lessons Learned
Aziizi left the programme with a deep respect for the complexity of filmmaking, particularly the importance of collaboration and precision.
“It’s not a solo job; it takes a village. Every role is critical and as 1st AD, I learned that discipline and precision are non-negotiable.”
“If things run behind schedule, it’s on you and overtime costs can spiral quickly. The pressure is immense, but it teaches you to be efficient and focused.”
The experience also gave him a clearer perspective on Brunei’s challenges in advancing its film industry.
"Being in Laos made me realise the differences in opportunities available to filmmakers.”
“Other countries benefit from thriving production houses and strong government support, enabling their filmmakers to pursue creative projects with fewer financial and logistical challenges compared to what we experience in Brunei."
“I felt a pang of envy seeing my peers from other nations have so much more access to resources and opportunities,” he added.
Despite these challenges, Aziizi believes Brunei has the potential to grow, especially with the creativity and talent already emerging on most social media platforms.
However, the infrastructure for narrative filmmaking remains limited.
“While advertising thrives here, storytelling hasn’t caught on in the same way. To grow, we need to invest in better equipment, create funding opportunities and provide more training for aspiring filmmakers.”
“We also need to build connections with international film festivals and distribution platforms to give local talents a global stage.”
The programme reaffirmed Aziizi’s commitment to creating meaningful films, even if it means starting small.
“People don’t invest in ideas; they need to see results. That’s why I plan to focus on making short films during my free time—not for profit, but for the love of it.
"These projects will be a way to showcase my skills and prove the value of filmmaking in Brunei.”
He hopes to bring back what he’s learned from FLY to inspire others and lay the groundwork for a stronger film industry in Brunei.
“This experience has shown me that progress is possible, even if it’s slow. I’m determined to build something unique, blending narrative and experimental storytelling and prove that Brunei can produce stories that resonate both locally and internationally.”
Leemin’s Passion for Storytelling
Muhammad Alimin Mohd. Affendi or Leemin shared that his journey with the FLY Programme reflects his love for filmmaking and determination to turn his dreams into reality.
He first heard about the FLY Programme from Aaqilull, a previous participant in Dalat, Vietnam.
Encouraged by his mentors and peers, including Amaru and the AICREATIVV team, he decided to apply—at the very last minute.
“It was on 5 June 2024 and I was racing against the clock to submit my application. I had to prepare a cover letter, get a recommendation from Amaru and other documents. It was a mad rush, but we got everything just in time!”
Leemin applied under the AICREATIVV banner and included his script and portfolio.
Although his script wasn’t ultimately selected, his application highlighted his potential as a Director of Photography (DOP) and Editor—his dream roles.
“I thank Aaqilull for encouraging me to join this programme, Amaru for supporting me and the AICREATIVV team for always pushing me to follow my passion.”
Why Filmmaking?
Filmmaking has always been close to Leemin’s heart, inspired by his father, who captured and turned family moments into cherished videos.
“Watching those videos made me realise how powerful storytelling can be. It’s not just about capturing a moment; it’s about reliving emotions and preserving memories.”
His internship at AICREATIVV deepened his understanding of media production. From planning ideas to filming and editing, every step of the process fuelled his love for storytelling and honed his skills.
Balancing Passions
While Leemin currently runs his own café, working as a barista and handling marketing, his heart is set on cinematography.
“I love the business side of things, but filmmaking is my passion. I’ve been dreaming of working on a film with my FLY friends, Zizi and Aaqilull."
They’ve always supported and encouraged me. So i’m ready to take that leap into cinematography.”
The FLY Experience
The 10-week FLY Programme was intensive, covering pre-production, production and post-production.
As a DOP, Editor, Gaffer and Focus Puller, Leemin played a key role in bringing the team’s vision to life.
“I worked on mood boards, lighting plans and storyboards. I also had hands-on experience with equipment, which was a dream come true. It was challenging, but the teamwork made it all worthwhile.”
One of his favourite parts of the programme was the daily discoveries.
“Every day in Laos felt special—whether it was attending lectures, scouting locations or just hanging with the team,” he said, adding that the bonds formed were unforgettable.
Lessons Learned
For Leemin, the biggest takeaway was the importance of teamwork and learning from mistakes.
“Making a film isn’t just about individual roles it’s about supporting each other and working together to bring a vision to life. Every mistake made is an opportunity to grow and improve.”
“This experience strengthened my passion for filmmaking and taught me valuable skills I’ll carry forward as a cinematographer.”
He added that the programme taught him to embrace the process, no matter how tough it gets.
Reflections on Brunei’s Film Industry
Leemin believes that Brunei’s film industry has potential, especially with young creators using platforms like TikTok to showcase their talent. However, there’s still room for growth.
“Investing in equipment, training programmes and funding opportunities can really push the industry forward. Building connections with international festivals would also open doors for local filmmakers.”
Encouraging Others
Would he recommend FLY? Absolutely.
“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You’ll grow as a filmmaker, meet amazing people and gain skills that stay with you forever. If you love storytelling or just want to try something new, this is your chance to shine.”
For Leemin, FLY was more than just a programme—it was a stepping stone toward his dream of becoming a full-time cinematographer.
As he puts it:
“I want to create films that touch people’s hearts and help them relive special memories."
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