8th Malaysia International Film Festival

2025 Malaysia International Film Festival
Festival poster
Opening film
  • Ninavau (Bebbra Mailin)
  • World Premiere
Closing film
LocationKuala Lumpur
Founded2017
AwardsMalaysia Golden Global Awards
Hosted byJazzy Group (M) Sdn Bhd
No. of films62 films (in competition)
Festival date
  • 19 - 27 July 2025
  • 26 July 2025 (MGGA)
WebsiteMIFFest 2025

The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) will take place from July 19–27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The festival will open with a Malaysian film exploring cultural identity and emotional heritage titled Ninavau by Bebbra Mailin and close with 2024 coming-of-age film Transamazonia by Pia Marais.[1][2] This year Bront Palarae, will be joined by Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha as the brand ambassadors of the festival.[3]

Jury and Selection Committee

Semi-final and Final Selection Jury

The Semi-Final and Final Selection Jury comprises esteemed industry professionals who play a critical role in evaluating the shortlisted films and determining the final nominees and award recipients. Their expertise and diverse perspectives ensure a fair and insightful judging process, upholding the artistic integrity and vision of MIFFest.

Preliminary Selection Committee

  • Ansell Tan
  • Chrishandra Sebastiampillai
  • Indrani Kopal
  • Jasmine Suraya
  • Jordan Chiam
  • Kaze Ng
  • Kik Fei Jiun
  • Rabbani Sujak
  • Rosdeen Suboh
  • TK Cheng
  • Victor Chen
  • Vimala Perumal
  • Zahir Omar

Semi-Final Jury

Jury Name(s) Semi-Final Committee
Al Jafree Md Yusop Y
Chacko Vadaketh Y
Leslie Ewe Y
Rendra Zawawi Y
Sangeeta Krishnasamy Y
Saville Chan Y
Vanidah Imran Y
Yasmin Yaacob Y

Final Selection Jury

Jury Name(s) Jury Member Jury President
Asif Kapadia Y
Rima Das Y
Reza Rahadian Y
Jennifer Yu Y
Diana Danielle Y

Official Selection

Out of a total of 62 films participating in the Official Selection, the lineup spans 49 countries and 43 languages, featuring 3 world premieres, 4 Asian premieres, 6 Southeast Asian premieres, and 38 local premieres.[4][5]

Opening Film

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
Ninavau Bebbra Mailin Malaysia

Closing Film

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
Transamazonia Pia Marais France, Germany Switzerland Taiwan Brazil

Competition

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
All That's Left of You Cherien Dabis Cyprus/Germany
DJ Ahmet Georgi Unkovski North Macedonia, Czechia, Serbia, Croatia
My Friend An Delie 我的朋友安德烈 Zijian Dong China
Paternal Leave Alissa Jung Germany, Italy
Red Path Lotfi Achour Tunisia
Soft Leaves Miwako Van Weyenberg Belgium
To a Land Unknown Mahdi Fleifel United Kingdom, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Qatar
Universal Language Matthew Rankin Canada
Winter in Sokcho Hiver à Sokcho Koya Kamura France, South Korea

A-Listers

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
La Grande Maison Paris グランメゾンパリ Ayuko Tsukahara Japan
What Does That Nature Say to You 그 자연이 네게 뭐라고 하니 Hong Sangsoo South Korea

Malaysian Dispatch

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
Housekeeping Zahir Omar Malaysia
Memori Abid Hussain Malaysia

Neon

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
As The River Goes By 水东游 Charles Hu China
Family Secrets Lee Sang-hoon South Korea
Renoir Runowâru Chie Hayakawa Japan, France, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Qatar

Manifesto

Introducing Manifesto—a powerful new documentary programme premiering at the 8th MIFFest 2025. Manifesto brings to the forefront untold stories that demand remembrance and lessons that resonate across generations. More than a collection of documentaries, it is a compelling call to reflect, engage, and honour the voices that continue to shape our world. Step into a space where truth, perspective, and purpose converge—experience the impact of Manifesto.

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
From Island to Island 由島至島 Lau Kek Huat Taiwan
The Tides Will Decide Azim Rizal Malaysia

Actor in Focus: Reza Rahadian

With his exceptional talent and magnetic screen presence, Reza Rahadian stands as a pillar of Indonesian cinema. Renowned for his versatility in films such as Innocent Vengeance, Test Pack: You Are My Baby, My Stupid Boss, and Habibie & Ainun, he continues to captivate audiences across a wide range of genres. Spanning over two decades, his illustrious career has earned him four prestigious Citra Awards and seen him evolve as a model, singer, and director. Beyond the screen, Reza’s sincerity and personal journey of faith have only deepened his connection with the public. A true trailblazer, he remains at the forefront of shaping Indonesia’s cinematic future.

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
Habibie & Ainun Faozan Rizal Indonesia
My Stupid Boss Upi Avianto Indonesia

Master At Work: Raj Kapoor

To commemorate the 100th birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor, MIFFest—together with the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur—proudly honors one of the most iconic figures in Indian cinema. Celebrated as The Showman of Indian Cinema, Raj Kapoor was a trailblazing actor, director, and producer whose timeless classics—Awaara, Shree 420, Sangam, and Mera Naam Joker—wove together poignant storytelling, evocative music, and deep social themes. His cinematic legacy crossed borders and generations, resonating with audiences across India, Russia, the Middle East, and far beyond.

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
Awaara Raj Kapoor India
Bobby Raj Kapoor India

Master At Work: Ti Lung

A towering figure in Hong Kong cinema, Ti Lung is celebrated for his refined martial arts mastery and emotionally resonant performances. Rising to fame in the 1970s with Shaw Brothers’ wuxia epics, he later redefined his legacy through John Woo’s A Better Tomorrow, blending stoic strength with heartfelt depth to become a lasting icon of Asian cinema.

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
A Better Tomorrow 英雄本色 John Woo Hong Kong

Lenses of India Women Filmmakers

As the influence of women in cinema continues to grow, MIFFest—together with the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur—proudly presents Lenses of Indian Women Filmmakers, a special programme spotlighting the dynamic voices of Indian female directors. This curated showcase celebrates the bold storytelling, visionary perspectives, and artistic resilience of women who are reshaping the cinematic narrative. From intimate explorations to groundbreaking themes, these films highlight the depth and diversity of women behind the lens. Join us in honouring their contributions and experiencing the stories that challenge, inspire, and transform the world of cinema.

English title Original title Director(s)
Boong Lakshmipriya Devi
Second Chance Subhadra Mahajan
Victoria Sivaranjini
Village Rockstars 2 Rima Das

Open Air Cinema

English title Original title Director(s) Production country
Desolasi Syafiq Yusof Malaysia
Emerging Composers Initiative 2025 Shorts Showcase Leong Xing Tong, Caitin Leticia, Khira Ammar, Kishan Kumar Malaysia
Fly By Night Zahir Omar Malaysia
Hantu Kak Limah Mamat Khalid Malaysia
Munafik 2 Syamsul Yusof Malaysia
Polis Evo Ghaz Abu Bakar Malaysia
The Journey Chiu Keng Guan Malaysia
The Kid From The Big Apple Jess Teong Malaysia

Harbour of Stories: Hong Kong On Screen

A city of rhythm, resilience, and reflection, Hong Kong takes center stage in Harbour of Stories—a special programme at the 8th MIFFest presented in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO). This curated showcase features films that delve into themes of identity, memory, love, and connection. From poignant dramas to nostalgic melodies, each story captures the emotional heartbeat of a city in constant evolution, yet deeply rooted in its heritage. Discover the soul of Hong Kong cinema through its most compelling voices—intimate, vibrant, and profoundly human.

English title Original title Director(s)
Last Song for You 久別重逢 Jill Leung
Montages of a Modern Motherhood 虎毒不 Oliver Chan
The Way We Talk 看我今天怎么说 Adam Wong
Valley of the Shadow of Death 不赦之罪 Jeffrey Lam Sen, Antonio Tam

ASEAN On Screen

In celebration of Malaysia’s role as the Chair of ASEAN 2025, the 8th MIFFest proudly presents ASEAN On Screen—a special programme dedicated to the dynamic stories and voices of Southeast Asia. This curated selection of films from across the region invites audiences to experience a rich tapestry of cultures, bold creative visions, and compelling narratives. From intimate personal journeys to collective regional challenges, these films capture the essence of ASEAN on a global cinematic platform. Join us in honouring the spirit of unity, diversity, and storytelling through ASEAN On Screen—where Southeast Asia meets the world.

English title Original title Director(s) Production Country
Cu Li Never Cries Cu Li không bao gio khóc Pham Ngoc Lan Vietnam
Next Stop, Somewhere James Lee Malaysia
Stranger Eyes 默視錄 Yeo Siew Hua Singapore
Sunshine Antoinette Jadaone Philippines
Tale of the Land Loeloe Hendra Indonesia
The Stone เดอะสโตน พระแท้ คนเก๊ Arak Amornsupasiri, Vuthipong Sukhanindr Thailand

MIFFest x EUFF (Official Selection)

The 25th European Film Festival (EUFF) Malaysia will be held in conjunction with the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) from July 20–27, 2025. As a parallel section of MIFFest, this special collaboration brings the richness of European cinema to Malaysian audiences through a curated selection of films, exclusive screenings, and cultural showcases. Experience the diversity, artistry, and storytelling traditions of Europe—right here at MIFFest.

English title Original title Director(s) Production Country
Armand Halfdan Ullmann Tøndel Norway/Netherlands/Sweden
Drazen Danilo Šerbedžija, Ljubo Zdjelarević Croatia/Slovenia/Serbia
Growing Down Bálint Dániel Sós Hungary
I Shall See Mercedes Stalenhoef Netherlands
Late Shift Petra Volpe Switzerland/Germany
Nasty Tudor Giurgiu, Christian Pascariu, Tudor D. Popescu Romania
Once Upon a Time in a Forest Virpi Suutari Finland
Spilt Milk Brian Durnin Ireland/UK
Taste of Freedom Oleksandr Berezan Ukraine
The Devil's Bath Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala Austria/Germany
The Girl with the Needle Magnus von Horn Denmark/Poland/Sweden
The Last Journey Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson Sweden
The Portuguese House Avelina Prat Spain/Portugal
The Time It Takes Francesca Comencini Italy/France
Year of the Widow Veronika Lišková Czechia/Slovakia/Croatia

MGGA 2025

8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards
DateJuly 26, 2025
SiteZepp Kuala Lumpur
Hosted byTBA
Organized byJazzy Group Sdn Bhd

The 8th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) will take place alongside the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival from July 19–27, 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating excellence in international and local filmmaking across categories like Best Film, Best Director, and Acting Awards.

Special Awards

Hallyu
Award for Excellence Achievement in Film
卓越电影成就奖
Reza Rahadian
Lifetime Achievement Award
终身成就奖
Ti Lung (Tommy Tam Fu-wing)
狄龙 (譚富榮)

Nominees

Nominees Announced on June 12, 2025.

See also

References

  1. ^ Naman Ramachandran (17 June 2025). "Malaysian Drama 'Ninavau' Opens MIFFest, Environmental Epic 'Transamazonia' Closes". Variety. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  2. ^ Michael Rosser (13 June 2025). "Bebbra Mailin's 'Ninavau' to open Malaysia film festival, Ti Lung to receive honour". ScreenDaily. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
  3. ^ Naman Ramachandran (17 April 2025). "Bront Palarae Returns to Malaysia Int'l Film Fest as Ambassador With Siti Saleha, Daiyan Trisha; Event Deepens India, Hong Kong, Europe Ties". Variety. Retrieved 27 June 2025.
  4. ^ Ian Jeremiah Patrick (12 June 2025). "Eighth Malaysia International Film Festival returns with global line-up, to showcase 62 films from 48 countries this July in KL". Malay Mail. Retrieved 19 June 2025.
  5. ^ "Film Lineup 2025". MIFFest. 12 June 2025. Retrieved 19 June 2025.