MIFFEST 2025 unveils infinite stories across borders, ASEAN cinema on the rise

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MIFFEST 2025 unveils infinite stories across borders, ASEAN cinema on the rise

Writer: Ann Tan

MIFFest stays true to its mission as a cultural bridge between Malaysian and global cinema

13 Jun- The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) proudly announces its 8th edition programme lineup, to take place from 19-27 July 2025 at MyTOWN Shopping Centre. Under the theme INFINITY, this year's festival celebrates cinema's boundless capacity to connect, heal, and inspire.

Opening & Closing Films

The festival opens with "Ninavau", a powerful Malaysian feature exploring cultural identity and emotional heritage. Whilst closing the festival is "Transamazonia", an epic international co-production spanning France, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan, addressing resilience and environmental issues.

Prestigious Awards & Tributes

Ti Lung shall be receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the "Master At Work" series. To honour his remarkable contributions, MIFFest will screen "A Better Tomorrow", the groundbreaking classic directed by John Woo. This Hong Kong action masterpiece not only defined a genre but also showcased Ti Lung's unparalleled talent in a powerful tale of brotherhood, redemption, and loyalty.

Additionally, MIFFest 2025 is proud to honour Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian with the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film, for his remarkable contributions to Southeast Asian cinema.

Cinema Without Borders: Record-Breaking Lineup

MIFFest 2025 presents 62 films from 48 countries in over 43 languages, featuring 3 World Premieres, 5 Asian Premieres, 6 Southeast Asian Premieres, and a record-breaking 38 Malaysian Premieres. This spectacular lineup transcends borders and redefines cinematic diversity, positioning Malaysia as a rising epicentre for international film appreciation.

Programme Highlights

The prestigious A-Lister Programme returns with premier selections from today's most daring filmmakers, including "Grande Maison Paris" by Ayuko Tsukahara, a high-stakes culinary drama, and "What Does That Nature Say to You" by Hong Sang-soo, a minimalist reflection on intimacy and art.

The Malaysian Dispatch category celebrates local cinema with curated homegrown works that embody the evolving voice of Malaysian filmmakers. The new Manifesto selection features socially engaged cinema including "From Island to Island" by Lau Kek Huat and "The Tides Will Decide" by Azim Rizal. The Neon segment champions rising directors with three or fewer films, highlighting "Renoir" by Japanese filmmaker Chie Hayakawa, a lyrical meditation on aging and legacy.

As the sun sets and the stars emerge, MIFFest invites audiences to enjoy cinema under the open sky. The Open-Air Cinema throughout the festival celebrates the magic of storytelling in a relaxed, communal setting, with a line-up of beloved Malaysian favourites and dynamic crowd-pleasers that promise entertainment, nostalgia, and excitement for all.

MIFFest President Joanne Goh

Special Programmes

In celebration of the centenary of Raj Kapoor, revered as the "Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema", MIFFest 2025 presents a special retrospective screening "Awara" and "Bobby" celebrating the "Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema."

Building on this celebration of Indian cinema, the festival also presents "Lenses of Indian Women Filmmakers", featuring four compelling titles including "Village Rockstars 2" by Rima Das, who also serves on the jury panel.

Expanding the festival's regional focus, "Harbour of Stories: Hong Kong On Screen" showcases five bold cinematic voices exploring modern Hong Kong's shifting identity, offering audiences an intimate portrait of a city in motion.

Meanwhile, strengthening MIFFest's international reach, the festival collaborates with the 25th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) to present the "MIFFest x EUFF Official Selection", a parallel programme that spotlights bold and diverse voices from across 19 countries, featuring an exceptional line-up of contemporary European films.

Closer to home and in conjunction with Malaysia's ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, "ASEAN On Screen", developed in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), presents a vibrant showcase of 6 films from Southeast Asia, each capturing the region's rich cultural tapestry through bold and distinctive narratives.

Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) 2025

The awards ceremony takes place on 26 July 2025 at ZEPP Kuala Lumpur, with "All That's Left Of You" leading with seven nominations, followed by "My Friend An Delie" (five nominations). The event will be livestreamed on MIFFest's Facebook and TikTok.

Distinguished Jury Panel

The international competition jury brings together an esteemed group of global talents led by Asif Kapadia, the internationally acclaimed British filmmaker, serving as Jury President. Joining him are Malaysia's celebrated actress Diana Danielle, Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu, Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, and India's renowned filmmaker Rima Das.

Festival Ambassadors

Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha join returning ambassador Bront Palarae (6th consecutive year) as fresh voices representing Malaysian cinema.

Visual Identity

Renowned Hong Kong visual artist Wing Shya, celebrated for collaborations with Wong Kar Wai, created the festival's key visual embodying the INFINITY theme.

Festival Passes

For the general public, the MIFFest Movie Pass is priced at RM49.99, with Hong Leong Bank cardholders enjoying a special promotional rate of RM39.99. However, complimentary accreditation passes are available for students and press, granting access to selected screenings and official festival events.

For tickets, accreditation, and the full festival lineup, visit miffest.com.my.

Cinema Online, 13 June 2025