The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) Opens with Dazzling Celebration and Deep Cultural Resonance. The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) officially opened its doors with a glamorous and emotionally charged evening at MyTOWN KL, ushering in nine days of cinematic excellence, creative exchange, and cultural dialogue. With the theme “Infinity,” this year’s edition celebrates the boundless possibilities of storytelling through film. The grand opening was marked by a vibrant red carpet event featuring local celebrities and industry figures including Zizan Razak, Fabian Loo, Rachel Tan, and Sangeeta Krishnasamy, who were welcomed with flashing cameras and cheers from an enthusiastic crowd. The red carpet set the tone for a festival that continues to grow in stature as one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent international film gatherings.
Festival ambassadors Bront Palarae, Siti Saleha, and Daiyan Trisha took to the stage to share their personal reflections on the significance of film and the unifying force of storytelling. Their light-hearted yet poignant exchange underscored the emotional depth and cultural impact that MIFFest champions. Joanne Goh, Founder and President of MIFFest, delivered a heartfelt welcome, highlighting the festival’s mission to promote imagination, empathy, and hope through cinema. “This year, our theme is Infinity, a word that reflects the endless possibilities of cinema,” she said. Goh also took the opportunity to recognize the dedication and expertise of the MIFFest Preliminary Selection Committee and Jury Panel, presenting them with a token of appreciation for curating an exceptional film lineup.
The evening culminated in the screening of the festival’s opening film, Ninavau, directed by Bebbra Mailin. A deeply moving story rooted in Sabah’s cultural landscape, the film follows a Kadazan woman returning home for her sister’s wedding while navigating a deeply personal journey of identity. Ninavau was previously featured in a shorter format and now returns as a full-length feature, making it a bold and timely statement on underrepresented narratives in Malaysian cinema. The screening at GSC MyTOWN marked the official start of MIFFest 2025’s cinematic journey, offering audiences a powerful introduction to the festival’s theme and vision.
MIFFest 2025 also expands its global footprint through the introduction of the ASEAN Film & TV Summit – ASEAN On Screen, which aims to deepen regional cooperation and amplify Southeast Asia’s diverse storytelling voices. Running in tandem with the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia, the collaboration enhances MIFFest’s role as a cultural bridge between East and West, further reinforcing its mission of fostering global understanding through film.
Adding to the festival’s growing international appeal, this year’s MIFFest also builds excitement toward the 8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA). Scheduled as the grand finale of the festival, the MGGA has received nearly 700 film submissions from around the world—a significant increase from previous years. From these entries, nine standout films have been shortlisted for competition, showcasing powerful and original stories that span continents. The MGGA will be streamed live on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, with additional broadcasts via Unifi TV and ViuTV, making it accessible to audiences across Malaysia and the wider region.
Running from 19 to 27 July 2025, MIFFest invites film lovers, storytellers, and industry professionals to experience a vibrant lineup of screenings, masterclasses, open-air cinema events, and marketplace exhibitions. With its focus on storytelling, cultural diversity, and global partnerships, MIFFest 2025 promises to be a cinematic celebration that not only entertains but also inspires. For film schedules, masterclass information, and ticketing details, visitors can head to www.miffest.com.my and follow MIFFest on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.