JEDDAH: The 9th Asian Film Festival 2016 concluded with Indonesian film “Surga Yang Tak Dirindukan” (The Undesired Heaven) here on Friday, followed by a delicious Asian Food Festival treat for all the guests.

The film festival, which is organized by the Asian Consuls General Club (ACGC), opened on Feb. 25. Movies from Japan, Pakistan, Korea, China, Sri Lanka, India, the Philippines, Bangladesh, Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia were telecast during the event.

Welcoming the ACGC diplomats and guests, Indonesian Consul General Dharmakirty Syailendra Putra said the film, “Surga Yang Tak Dirindukan” is an Indonesian love drama adapted from a best-selling novel by Asma Nadia.

The Indonesian film touched the hearts of the audience — around 6,000 — with emotional scenes and touching dialogues, making the night very special.

At the concluding remarks of the film festival, Putra congratulated and thanked the Asian Consuls General for making the event a success.

He said he hoped the film and food festivals will send a good message and promote mutual understanding and friendship between Asian countries and the host country Saudi Arabia.

Tehseem ul Haq Haqqi, welfare attache at the Pakistan Consulate, said that the festival is an excellent representation of Asian countries and helps in spreading awareness about the culture and traditions of different countries.

Mohammed Isa, a well-known Saudi artist who has performed in international films, said that the film and food festivals this year was presented at a very high level.

“I would love to work in Asian films if I get a chance. All the films shown during this year’s festival were excellent.”

The stalls at the food festival offered tasty dishes like pulao, daal and korma from Pakistan; pastel, lapis legit and Bolu Karamel from Indonesia; Mughlai cuisine with traditional taste of haleem, chicken tikka and soup from India; Nasi Goreng, Bihun Gorgen, Nasilemak Daun Pisang from Malaysia; fried noodles, chicken wings and samosas from Singapore; fried fish, beef curry, khichadi, fried chicken and potato chops from Bangladesh.