Raintown Film Festival returns to Taiping this September 2026

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Raintown Film Festival returns to Taiping this September 2026

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Writer: Ann Tan

The 3rd Raintown Film Festival takes place from 4-6 September

5 Aug - Returning for the third year, the 3rd Raintown Film Festival will be held from 4 to 6 September 2026 at Paragon Cinemas, Taiping Mall, Perak. Over three days, audiences can watch a selection of Malaysian films shot in Taiping, the "Raintown."

This year, the festival expands its scope to include more films shot elsewhere in Perak, aiming to promote Taiping's charm through cinema while showcasing the state's diverse film landscape.

The four featured films are "Circus of Life", directed by Tham Wai Fook, with scenes filmed in Taiping; "Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow...and Tomorrow", directed by Amir Muhammad, reinterpreting works by late Taiping filmmaker Jins Shamsuddin as an essay film; "Goodbye Boys", directed by Taiping-born Bernard Chauly, following scouts on a 100-kilometre hike across Kinta Valley; and "Men Who Save the World", directed by Liew Seng Tat, filmed in Kuala Kangsar and inspired by the traditional Malay house-moving practice "Angkat Rumah."

Opening Film: "Circus of Life" by Tham Wai Fook

Closing Film: Men Who Save the World by Liew Seng Tat

The festival will also showcase the Top 20 shortlisted films of the Raintown Short Film Competition 2026, competing across eight award categories, with winners announced at the closing ceremony, where filmmakers will be present to share insights into their creative process.

Following the reopening of Maxwell Hill (Bukit Larut) after five years, the festival will also organise a guided tour of the mountain's landscapes and history.

A film talk, "Island School: The Story of SJK(C) Aik Hua", will also be held. Located in Trong, Taiping, the school has long faced declining enrolment and limited resources, though 2025 brought new support from the Ministry of Education and various companies. Taiping documentary filmmaker Eunice Tan produced "A Small School Under the Sun", capturing the school's story and its young teachers' perseverance. Students and teachers from SJK(C) Aik Hua will attend the session to share their experiences and the story behind the documentary.

Film Talk: "The Island School" (The Story of SJKC Aik Hua)

"Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow...and Tomorrow", directed by Amir Muhammad, reinterpreted works by late Taiping filmmaker Jins Shamsuddin as an essay film

Festival founder Jacky Yeap said: "Through the collective efforts of local organisations and the government, Taiping is no longer known only as a retirement destination but has developed into a liveable town, with more young residents returning to start businesses. Beyond letting visitors discover Taiping through cinema, Raintown Film Festival hopes to give local filmmakers a platform to exchange ideas and continue nurturing Malaysian film talent."

This year's festival is supported by West Coast Expressway (WCE), a key transportation link connecting Banting, Selangor to Taiping, Perak, which improves accessibility and connects people to the region's landscapes, stories and character. WCE CEO Lyndon Alfred Felix said: "The festival provides a platform for the local creative industry and introduces Taiping as a town rich in history, culture and natural beauty. We look forward to welcoming more visitors to explore the town's cultural experiences, food and attractions."

The festival is also backed by Taiping MP and Deputy Education Minister Wong Kah Woh, Perak EXCO Member for Tourism Loh Sze Yee, Pokok Assam assemblyman Ong Seng Guan, Dana Kreatif Perak, and various local organisations.

Free ticket redemption for the 3rd Raintown Film Festival is now open! Audiences can visit the CloudJoi ticketing platform and search for "3rd Raintown Film Festival" to redeem their tickets. Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

September 4, 2026 (Friday)
8PM - 830PM	Opening Ceremony
830PM - 11PM	Opening Film: Circus of Life + Q&A Session
September 5, 2026 (Saturday)
11AM - 12PM	Film Talk: The Island School: The Story of SJK(C) Aik Hua
1PM - 3PM	Raintown Short Film Competition Set A + Q&A Session
4PM - 6PM	Raintown Short Film Competition Set B + Q&A Session
8PM - 10PM	Film Screening: Goodbye Boys + Q&A
September 6, 2026 (Sunday)
8AM - 12PM	Tour: Beguiled on Larut Hills, Taiping (Guided by Liew Suet Fun)
2PM - 330PM	Film Screening: Tomorrow, Tomorrow, Tomorrow.... and Tomorrow + Q&A
430PM - 630PM	Closing Film: Men Who Save The World + Q&A
630PM - 730PM	Closing & Award Ceremony