20/07/2025
Kuala Lumpur, 19 July 2025 – The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival MIFFest officially opened with a dazzling celebration at MyTOWN Shopping Centre , setting the stage for nine days of cinematic brilliance, creativity, and cultural exchange. The evening was filled with glamour, heartfelt tributes, and powerful storytelling, marking MIFFest’s continued rise as one of Southeast Asia’s most prominent international film festivals.
An Evening of Cinema, Glamour and Connection
The evening began with a dazzling red carpet affair, welcoming filmmakers, jury members, and celebrities including Zizan Razak , Fabian Loo, Rachel Tan and Sangeeta Krishnasamy. Guests were greeted by flashes of cameras and the vibrant energy of the MIFFest community as they gathered to mark the beginning of a new chapter in the festival’s journey.
On stage, festival ambassadors Bront Palarae Official , Siti Saleha , and Daiyan Trisha shared a light-hearted and reflective interaction with the audience, highlighting their personal connections to film, the significance of MIFFest, and the power of storytelling to inspire and unite.
A warm welcome was delivered by Joanne Goh , Founder and President of MIFFest, who in her speech shared: “This year, our theme is Infinity, a word that reflects the endless possibilities of cinema. Stories have the power to move us, challenge us, and bring us together. In times of division, film reminds us of what we all share: emotion, humanity, and hope. Let’s celebrate not just movies, but the imagination, connection, and magic they bring.”
Following her speech, the president presented a token of appreciation to the MIFFest Preliminary Selection Committee and the Jury Panel for the Semi-Final Stage, in recognition of their dedication, expertise, and contribution to curating this year’s exceptional film lineup.
Opening Film: Ninavau – A Story Rooted in Identity and Truth
The evening culminated with the screening of Ninavau, the official opening film of the 8th MIFFest. Directed by Bebbra Mailin, this powerful feature tells the story of a Kadazan woman returning to Sabah for her sister’s wedding, while quietly carrying a personal transformation she has yet to share. The film explores themes of family, cultural identity, and inner truth, offering a heartfelt lens into East Malaysian life with emotional authenticity and grace.
This year, Ninavau returns in full feature form, marking a bold and timely addition to MIFFest’s growing platform for underrepresented voices in Malaysian cinema. Following the opening ceremony, guests and audiences adjourned to GSC MyTOWN to witness the premiere screening of the film, marking the official start of MIFFest 2025’s cinematic journey.
Deepening Regional and International Partnerships
This year’s edition of MIFFest continues to grow in scope and relevance. The introduction of the ASEAN Film & TV Summit – ASEAN On Screen further strengthens regional collaboration and celebrates Southeast Asia’s diverse creative voices. Running in parallel with the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia, MIFFest also reinforces its role as a bridge between East and West, highlighting its global outlook and cultural diplomacy.
From Red Carpet to Awards Night: MGGA Sets the Stage for Global Film Celebration
The excitement of MIFFest extends far beyond the screening halls. The opening ceremony was streamed live on TikTok, giving audiences across the globe a front-row seat to one of Malaysia’s biggest nights in film.
The energy builds toward the festival’s grand finale, the 8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), a glittering celebration of cinematic excellence. This year, the MGGA received nearly 700 film submissions from around the world, a significant increase from previous years, reflecting MIFFest’s growing international presence. From this rich selection, nine exceptional films have been chosen for competition, showcasing powerful storytelling from across continents.
Audiences can join in the excitement through live streams on TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, while Unifi TV and ViuTV will air the awards via delayed broadcast for wider regional access. With its star-studded lineup and fierce nominations, the MGGA promises to be an unforgettable night of honouring talent, vision, and the future of cinema.
Come See a Film, Come See the World at MIFFest
From 19 to 27 July 2025, MIFFest invites film lovers, storytellers, and curious minds to immerse themselves in a festival experience unlike any other. With a refreshed lineup, immersive events, open-air screenings, marketplace attractions, and global industry forums, this year’s festival promises to engage, entertain, and inspire.
For film listings, masterclass schedules, and ticketing details, visit the official website at www.miffest.com.my, and follow MIFFest on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for the latest updates.
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