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Tag: #MIFFest2025

  • 8th MIFFest Welcomes Debut of ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen Showcase

    8th MIFFest Welcomes Debut of ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen Showcase

    The ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2025 officially commenced with an Opening Ceremony held during the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), officiated by the Ministry of Communications and the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS). The event was followed by a series of panel discussions under the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen, highlighting the richness of Southeast Asian storytelling while promoting regional collaboration and cross-cultural dialogue.

    FINAS, with the support of the Ministry of Communications, proudly spearheaded the ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2025. Held in conjunction with MIFFest, this landmark initiative reflects Malaysia’s leadership in championing Southeast Asian creative collaboration and strengthening the region’s cultural economy. Through dialogue, exchange, and celebration, it aims to build meaningful connections within the ASEAN creative industries.

    This year, the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and its flagship programme, ASEAN On Screen, took centre stage at MIFFest. Their debut aligns with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, which also marks the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Community. This initiative underscores Malaysia’s commitment to advancing the region’s creative industries and fostering unity through shared cultural platforms.

    ASEAN On Screen is a dedicated programme that celebrates the richness and diversity of Southeast Asian cinema. Supported by the Ministry of Communications and presented in collaboration with FINAS, it plays a central role within the ASEAN Film & TV Summit. The programme places Southeast Asian narratives at the forefront of MIFFest, fostering collaboration across borders, encouraging co-productions, and promoting purposeful storytelling. It is designed to strengthen ASEAN cohesion through policy dialogue and cultural exchange, promote regional talents and content globally, encourage industry partnerships and knowledge sharing, and celebrate unique narratives that deserve international recognition.

    The summit launched with a welcome speech from MIFFest President Joanne Goh, followed by the first panel session titled “Beyond Borders: Funding Pathways and Development Strategies by ASEAN Film Agencies.” The panel featured representatives from Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia, including the CEO of FINAS, and was moderated by MIFFest advisor Dato’ Kamil Othman. The session explored how regional film agencies can enhance cross-border collaboration, and was followed by a lively Q&A session.

    The Opening Ceremony of the ASEAN Film & TV Summit officially began with the arrival of Deputy Minister of Communications, YB Teo Nie Ching. Attendees stood for the Malaysian national anthem, Negaraku, followed by the ASEAN theme song, “Our Land, Our Home.” A welcome speech was delivered by Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS, followed by the officiating speech by Deputy Minister YB Teo Nie Ching, who launched the ASEAN Film & TV Summit 2025. In her remarks, YB Teo emphasized Malaysia’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability under its ASEAN Chairmanship, aiming to build a region that empowers diverse voices and fosters shared growth.

    The summit continued with a series of insightful panel discussions, drawing filmmakers, producers, and creative leaders from across the region. Among the highlights was the session “From Local to Global,” which explored immersive technologies and the future of the ASEAN creative ecosystem. Another session, “Cinematic Frontiers: Innovation, Infrastructure and Collaboration in ASEAN Film,” discussed strategies for taking local stories to international audiences. “Cinema in Flux: Finding the Right Story” featured filmmakers from Korea, Indonesia, and Hong Kong sharing their experiences in maintaining artistic identity in an evolving media landscape.

    Notable speakers included Lee Dong-Ha, producer of the South Korean hit Train to Busan; Lee Sang-Hoon, director of Family Secrets, which screened at MIFFest ahead of its Korean release; and Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, the Vietnamese producer behind The Third Wife and Glorious Ashes. Each session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment, and the day ended with a commemorative group photo.

    The day’s events concluded with the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen Welcome Cocktail Reception, an elegant gathering led by the MIFFest team. The reception brought together regional creatives, diplomats, and industry leaders for an evening of celebration and connection. In her remarks, MIFFest President Joanne Goh expressed pride in presenting ASEAN On Screen as a central part of the summit, in conjunction with Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. She emphasised the programme’s role in celebrating Southeast Asian cinema while encouraging dialogue around identity, collaboration, and the region’s shared future.

    As the 8th MIFFest continues throughout the week, the ASEAN Film & TV Summit and ASEAN On Screen stand as powerful platforms for uniting regional storytellers, advancing the creative economy, and reaffirming Malaysia’s position as a key driver of Southeast Asian cinema on the global stage. These initiatives reflect FINAS’s ongoing commitment to cultural diplomacy, policy innovation, and regional partnerships, and further strengthen Malaysia’s role as a strategic convenor and enabler within the ASEAN creative industry.

  • “All That’s Left of You” Triumphs at MGGA 2025; Ti Lung Honoured for Lifetime Contribution

    “All That’s Left of You” Triumphs at MGGA 2025; Ti Lung Honoured for Lifetime Contribution

    The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded with a star-studded Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) ceremony at ZEPP Kuala Lumpur, celebrating cinematic excellence from around the world. This year’s prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to legendary Hong Kong actor Ti Lung in recognition of his decades-long contribution to Asian cinema. Known for his iconic roles in both classic martial arts and dramatic films, Ti Lung’s enduring influence continues to inspire generations of filmmakers and audiences.

    The Best Film award went to All That’s Left of You, directed by Cherien Dabis. The film follows a Palestinian couple forced to confront a life-altering decision amid the chaos of displacement and uncertainty. Through quiet strength and intimate moments, the story finds beauty and resilience in the face of hardship. Dabis also received the Best Screenplay award for the same film, praised for its nuanced narrative and emotional depth. The screenplay stands out for its ability to blend political context with personal storytelling, earning her the Heart of Cinema Award.

    A major highlight of the evening was the presentation of the New Hope Award by Dato’ Hans Isaac, Chairman of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS). The award was given to Red Path, directed by Tunisian filmmaker Lotfi Achour. Known for his theatrical and cinematic innovation, Achour explores themes of memory and trauma with poetic sensitivity. He was also honoured with the Best Director award for the same film. Red Path tells the story of a man reckoning with his past and showcases Achour’s ability to blend realism with powerful visual and emotional symbolism.

    The Infinite Lens Award for Best Cinematography was awarded to Isabelle Stachtchenko for her work on Universal Language. Her breathtaking visuals transcend borders, conveying shared human emotions with clarity and elegance.

    In the acting categories, Mahmood Bakri Chatila won Best Actor for his role in To A Land Unknown, delivering a compelling performance as a man displaced by conflict. His portrayal was marked by quiet intensity and emotional depth. Han HaoLin received the Best Supporting Actor award for his role in My Friend AnDelia, a Chinese coming-of-age story. His touching depiction of youthful innocence and vulnerability brought warmth and authenticity to the film.

    As it celebrates stories that cross cultures and continents, the 8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards once again highlights cinema as a powerful and universal form of expression.

  • 8th MIFFest Begins with a Star-Studded Celebration of Global Cinema

    8th MIFFest Begins with a Star-Studded Celebration of Global Cinema

    The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) officially opened with a dazzling celebration at MyTOWN KL, setting the stage for nine days filled with cinematic brilliance, creativity, and cultural exchange. The event was a blend of glamour, emotional tributes, and compelling storytelling, marking MIFFest’s continued growth as one of Southeast Asia’s leading international film festivals.

    The evening kicked off with a vibrant red carpet event, welcoming filmmakers, jury members, and celebrities such as Zizan Razak, Fabian Loo, Rachel Tan, and Sangeeta Krishnasamy. Guests were greeted with flashing cameras and the buzzing energy of the MIFFest community, all gathered to witness the beginning of another exciting chapter in the festival’s journey.

    On stage, MIFFest ambassadors Bront Palarae, Siti Saleha, and Daiyan Trisha engaged the audience in a warm and reflective conversation. They shared their personal connections to cinema, the meaningful role of MIFFest in the industry, and the unifying power of storytelling. Their exchange highlighted the heart of the festival, connection through film.

    Joanne Goh, the Founder and President of MIFFest, welcomed attendees with an inspiring speech. She explained that this year’s theme, “Infinity,” symbolises the boundless possibilities offered by cinema. She reminded the audience that films have the ability to move, challenge, and connect people, especially in a time when unity is more important than ever. Following her address, Joanne presented tokens of appreciation to the MIFFest Preliminary Selection Committee and the Jury Panel for the Semi-Final Stage, honouring their hard work and dedication in curating this year’s film lineup.

    The highlight of the night was the screening of Ninavau, the official opening film of the 8th MIFFest. Directed by Bebbra Mailin, this emotionally resonant feature tells the story of a Kadazan woman who returns to Sabah for her sister’s wedding while navigating a deeply personal transformation. The film delicately explores themes of family, cultural identity, and self-acceptance, offering an intimate and heartfelt portrayal of East Malaysian life.

    This year marks the return of Ninavau in its full-length feature form, reinforcing MIFFest’s commitment to uplifting underrepresented voices in Malaysian cinema. After the opening ceremony, guests gathered at GSC MyTOWN for the film’s premiere, officially launching MIFFest 2025’s cinematic journey.

    MIFFest 2025 also signals deeper collaboration across regional and international platforms. The launch of the ASEAN Film & TV Summit, titled ASEAN On Screen, enhances regional partnerships and spotlights Southeast Asia’s creative diversity. Running concurrently with the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia, MIFFest continues to act as a cultural bridge between the East and West, solidifying its place as a globally-minded festival.

    The festival’s excitement stretches well beyond screenings. The opening ceremony was livestreamed on TikTok, offering film fans worldwide a chance to tune in to one of Malaysia’s most anticipated film events. This momentum builds toward the 8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), the festival’s grand finale celebrating cinematic excellence.

    This year, MGGA received close to 700 film submissions globally, reflecting MIFFest’s growing international reach. From this vast pool, nine outstanding films were selected to compete, each showcasing remarkable storytelling and creative vision. Audiences can follow the awards via livestreams on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, while Unifi TV and ViuTV will offer delayed telecasts for broader regional viewership. With its high-profile guests and competitive nominations, the MGGA is poised to be a memorable evening honouring outstanding talents and the future of filmmaking.

    From 19 to 27 July 2025, MIFFest invites cinephiles, storytellers, and curious minds to be part of a unique festival experience. With a refreshed film lineup, immersive events, open-air screenings, marketplace showcases, and global forums, this year’s MIFFest promises to inform, entertain, and connect communities through the magic of cinema.

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  • European Film Festival Returns for Its 25th Edition, Joining Forces with MIFFest to Celebrate Cinema and Culture

    European Film Festival Returns for Its 25th Edition, Joining Forces with MIFFest to Celebrate Cinema and Culture

    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.

  • MIFFest 2025 Celebrates Global Cinema with Official Screening Line-Up and Star Appearances

    MIFFest 2025 Celebrates Global Cinema with Official Screening Line-Up and Star Appearances

    The 8th edition of the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has officially announced its screening schedule, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a week-long celebration of cinema from around the world. This year’s screenings will take place at GSC MyTOWN KL, which features both indoor and open-air showings, as well as selected screenings at GSC Lalaport BBCC. A total of 65 films from 48 countries will be showcased.

    Alongside its diverse film line-up, MIFFest continues to champion meaningful conversations through a series of masterclasses and forums designed to inspire filmmakers and audiences alike. Among the key highlights is a masterclass led by Asif Kapadia, acclaimed British filmmaker and Jury President of the 8th MIFFest. Titled The Unscripted Narrative of Truth, the session explores Kapadia’s signature approach to documentary storytelling through the use of archival material and emotive narratives, as seen in his award-winning films Amy, Senna, and Diego Maradona.

    Another major session, The Director’s Script, will be conducted by German-South African filmmaker Pia Marais. Known for her introspective and character-driven stories, Marais will also premiere her latest feature, Transamazonia, which has been selected as the festival’s closing film.

    In a special tribute to legendary actor Ti Lung, MIFFest presents The Hero’s Code, a dedicated masterclass honouring his lifetime contribution to cinema. Audiences will have the chance to revisit two of his iconic roles in A Better Tomorrow and The Kid from the Big Apple, followed by live Q&A sessions with the screen legend himself.

    The festival will also host a cross-cultural forum titled From Vision to Screen, offering a unique dialogue between leading voices in Asian cinema. Participating in the discussion are Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu, and Indian filmmaker Rima Das. This session aims to highlight the diverse creative journeys and collaborative spirit within the regional film industry.

    As MIFFest moves toward its finale, all eyes turn to the Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), scheduled for 26 July at Zepp KL. The awards night will bring together a glittering line-up of presenters, including Malaysian comedian and actor Zizan Razak, actress Lim Min Chen, Train to Busan producer Lee Dong-Ha, South Korean actor-director Lee Sang Hoon, Vietnamese actress Truong Ngoc Anh, South Korean actor Ji Seung Hyun, Taiwanese actor-musician Jasper Liu Yi-Hao, and Chinese actor-singer Dylan Xiong Ziqi. The event will be streamed live via MIFFest’s official TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook channels, connecting audiences from around the world.

    With a powerful mix of storytelling, industry dialogue, and star-studded appearances, the 8th MIFFest stands as a dynamic celebration of cinema without borders.

  • MIFFest 2025 Tampilkan Duta Ikonik: Bront Palarae, Siti Saleha & Daiyan Trisha, Perkukuh Fokus ‘ASEAN On Screen’ Bersama Hong Leong Bank dan EUFF25

    MIFFest 2025 Tampilkan Duta Ikonik: Bront Palarae, Siti Saleha & Daiyan Trisha, Perkukuh Fokus ‘ASEAN On Screen’ Bersama Hong Leong Bank dan EUFF25

    Festival Filem Antarabangsa Malaysia (MIFFest) secara rasmi melancarkan edisi ke-8 yang akan berlangsung dari 19 hingga 27 Julai 2025. Majlis pelancaran telah berlangsung di PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, hotel rasmi MIFFest, dan memperkenalkan pelbagai pengisian menarik termasuk pengumuman duta baharu, kolaborasi strategik serta program sinematik yang segar. Acara pembukaan kali ini akan diadakan di MyTOWN Shopping Centre, menandakan kemunculan fizikal MIFFest yang dinanti-nantikan dan mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai festival filem unggul di rantau ini.

    Tahun ini, MIFFest mempersembahkan trio duta festival yang menyerlahkan semangat sinema tempatan. Bront Palarae kembali untuk tahun keenam sebagai wajah festival, disertai dua bintang wanita serba boleh Siti Saleha dan Daiyan Trisha. Kehadiran tiga figura penting ini melambangkan kesinambungan antara generasi serta suara penceritaan yang mewakili kepelbagaian, kejujuran dan keberanian sinema Malaysia.

    MIFFest 2025 mengetengahkan tema utama “INFINITY”, satu penghargaan kepada kekuatan filem dalam menyatukan manusia, mencetuskan harapan dan memperluaskan imaginasi. Visual rasmi tahun ini direka oleh seniman tersohor dari Hong Kong, Wing Shya, yang terkenal dengan kolaborasinya bersama pengarah legenda Wong Kar Wai. Menurut Presiden MIFFest, Joanne Goh, tema INFINITY membawa misi untuk membuka lebih banyak ruang kepada naratif yang tulus, reflektif dan memberi makna dalam pengalaman menonton.

    Bersemangat dengan semangat serantau, MIFFest memperkenalkan inisiatif “ASEAN On Screen” hasil kerjasama bersama FINAS sempena Malaysia selaku Pengerusi ASEAN 2025. Program ini memberi ruang eksklusif kepada karya filem dari Asia Tenggara, sekali gus menyokong kerjasama produksi, pertukaran kreatif dan pertumbuhan ekosistem filem serantau secara inklusif.

    Dalam satu lagi pengumuman penting, MIFFest telah memeterai kerjasama strategik bersama Hong Leong Bank sebagai Bank Rasmi MIFFest sehingga tahun 2027. Usahasama ini bertujuan untuk memperkukuh pembangunan industri kreatif tempatan, menjalin hubungan jangka panjang dengan penggiat seni, serta membuka peluang sinematik kepada generasi muda. Menurut Zalman Zainal dari Hong Leong Bank, kerjasama ini merupakan langkah untuk memperkasa pengalaman hidup melalui sokongan terhadap penceritaan yang memberi impak mendalam.

    Sebagai sebahagian daripada usaha memperluaskan jangkauan global, MIFFest turut meraikan ulang tahun ke-25 Festival Filem Eropah Malaysia (EUFF) dengan menampilkan tayangan istimewa filem-filem Eropah terpilih dalam program selari. Kerjasama erat dengan Delegasi Kesatuan Eropah ini menekankan nilai pertukaran budaya dan dialog sinematik antara dua benua, selari dengan semangat perpaduan dan kepelbagaian.

    MIFFest juga mengekalkan jalinan kukuh dengan Suruhanjaya Tinggi India serta Kementerian Maklumat dan Penyiaran India dalam menampilkan filem-filem pilihan dari negara tersebut. Pada masa sama, kolaborasi berterusan bersama Pejabat Ekonomi dan Perdagangan Hong Kong (HKETO), CCIDA dan Majlis Pembangunan Filem Hong Kong diteruskan bagi menggalakkan pertukaran profesional serta meraikan kepelbagaian filem dari Hong Kong.

    Festival Filem Antarabangsa Malaysia edisi ke-8 bakal berlangsung dari 19 hingga 27 Julai 2025, dengan tayangan utama di GSC Cinema dan acara pembukaan rasmi di MyTOWN Shopping Centre. Orang ramai dijemput hadir untuk menyaksikan kelainan MIFFest tahun ini, di mana semangat INFINITY diterjemahkan melalui karya-karya hebat dari Malaysia dan seluruh dunia. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila layari www.miffest.com.my atau ikuti MIFFest di laman sosial rasmi mereka.