The 25th European Film Festival Malaysia (EUFF) officially opened this evening with a graceful celebration of European and Malaysian cinematic collaboration at GSC MyTOWN, Kuala Lumpur. For the first time in its history, EUFF is being held concurrently with the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), marking a milestone partnership that unites the richness of European storytelling with the expanding global platform of Southeast Asian cinema.
The evening unfolded as a celebration of unity and creativity, beginning with a cocktail reception attended by filmmakers, diplomats, media representatives, and guests from both Europe and Malaysia. The emcee welcomed the crowd and introduced the festival’s expanded vision, highlighting the significant collaboration between EUFF and MIFFest under the shared theme “Infinity”. Guests enjoyed a delightful cheese sampling experience presented by Emborg and refreshing Sunquick juice packets, adding a vibrant European flair to the evening. A captivating opening performance combined Malaysian traditional dance with European classical music, accompanied by artistic visual projections created by local visual artists, perfectly capturing the theme of limitless creativity.
Joanne Goh, President of MIFFest, in her welcoming remarks, shared that the partnership reflects a shared belief in the power of cinema to bridge cultures, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the depth of global storytelling. She highlighted that the festival features films from 18 European countries, with several of these titles also participating in the MIFFest competition.
H.E. Rafael Daerr, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, delivered the official opening address, reaffirming the EU’s dedication to cultural diplomacy and mutual understanding. He remarked on the festival’s evolution since its inception in 1999, stating that EUFF has become one of the most significant international film festivals in Malaysia. He expressed pride in the trust and unity that made this joint celebration possible.
Guests were also treated to a special preview of trailers from this year’s EUFF lineup, which presents a diverse selection of European films across various genres, languages, and perspectives. The evening included a group photocall featuring key representatives from both MIFFest and EUFF, capturing a symbolic moment of cross-cultural collaboration and unity.
The highlight of the night was the Malaysian premiere of Year of the Widow, directed by renowned Czech filmmaker Veronika Lišková. Co-produced by Slovakia and Croatia, the film was selected as the opening title for its emotionally powerful and timely narrative.
The story follows Petra, a woman in her early forties, whose life is suddenly overturned by the unexpected death of her husband. As Petra and her teenage daughter Dominika confront their grief, they also navigate the harsh realities of mortgages, debts, and bureaucratic obstacles. With quiet resilience, Petra begins to rebuild her life, facing both emotional and practical challenges head-on.
This film marks Veronika Lišková’s debut narrative feature, following her success in the documentary genre with works like Daniel’s World and The Visitors, which were previously screened at major festivals such as Berlinale and Locarno.
Running from 20 to 27 July 2025, the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia, held alongside MIFFest, offers audiences in Malaysia a unique opportunity to discover new voices in European cinema, engage in cross-cultural conversations, and experience film as a powerful medium of global connection.
