21 Apr - The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has unveiled exciting highlights for its 8th edition, taking place from 19-27 July 2025. This year's festival will open at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, marking a vibrant return to in-person celebrations while reinforcing MIFFest's role as a leading platform for cinema and cultural exchange in the region.
Acclaimed actresses Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha join the ambassador lineup as fresh voices in Malaysian cinema. They stand alongside celebrated actor Bront Palarae, who continues his steadfast role for the sixth consecutive year. Together, they represent a generation of storytellers deeply connected to audience, culture, and community, embodying MIFFest's mission of elevating cinema that speaks to both present and future.
The 8th MIFFest carries the theme INFINITY, reflecting cinema's boundless capacity to connect, heal, and inspire during times of change. As MIFFest President Joanne Goh explains, "With our new theme, Infinity, we embrace a deeper sense of hope, staying courageous, open-hearted, and ready to discover stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us of the strength we carry." Renowned Hong Kong visual artist Wing Shya, celebrated for his iconic collaborations with Wong Kar Wai, crafted the festival's key visual. "Cinema has always been a kind of magic," Wing Shya shares. "A person's entire life can be condensed into a single film, bare and vulnerable, yet somehow we feel it all. That's the power of storytelling."
As Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, MIFFest, in collaboration with FINAS, unveils ASEAN On Screen - a dedicated program celebrating Southeast Asian film and television. Announced by FINAS CEO Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib, this initiative places regional narratives at the forefront, nurturing cross-border collaboration and creative exchange with a renewed commitment to purpose-driven storytelling.
MIFFest announced a landmark three-year partnership with Hong Leong Bank as the Official Bank through 2027. This long-term collaboration is rooted in a shared vision to champion cinema culture and industry growth in Malaysia. "We see ourselves as enablers of enriching experiences," notes Zalman Zainal, Chief Marketing Officer of Hong Leong Bank. "This partnership aims to drive growth in our local entertainment scene and further enrich experiences for film lovers and the industry alike."
Further strengthening its international reach, MIFFest continues its partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, presenting the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia from 20-27 July. This collaboration promises EUFF's most extensive lineup to date, reflecting a shared commitment to cinematic dialogue and cultural exchange. "Cinema allows us to share stories, dreams, and enduring human values - empathy, kindness, and connection," reflected Timo Goosmann, Deputy Head of Mission for the EU Delegation.
MIFFest reaffirms its collaborations with The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India as Principal Cultural Partner, positioning itself as Malaysia's foremost platform for celebrating Indian cinema. Additionally, MIFFest continues partnerships with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and Hong Kong Film Development Council for the third consecutive year, celebrating Hong Kong cinema through community initiatives and industry engagement. The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival invites audiences to experience INFINITY during its nine-day celebration of cinema, culture, and connection in Kuala Lumpur this July.