Highlights for The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) 8th edition

MIFFest Assembles Its Strongest Line-Up of Ambassadors Yet, Bront Palarae Returns, Joined by Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha

Sets a Purposeful Vision for the Future of Regional Cinema with ASEAN On Screen Launch, Hong Leong Bank Multi-Year Partnership, and Landmark Collaboration with European Film Festival for its 25th Anniversary

The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has unveiled key highlights for its highly anticipated 8th edition, taking place from 19-27 July 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference hosted at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, the festival’s official hotel partner. This year’s festival will open at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, marking a vibrant return to its signature annual in-person celebrations and reaffirming MIFFest’s role as a leading platform for cinema and cultural exchange in the region.

A Renewed Circle of Storytellers: MIFFest Names Its Festival Ambassadors

Leading the refreshed line-up of Festival Ambassadors are acclaimed actresses Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha, two of Malaysia’s most exciting voices. They join celebrated actor Bront Palarae, who returns for the sixth consecutive year, continuing his steadfast role as the face of MIFFest.

Together, they represent a generation of storytellers deeply connected to audience, culture, and community, embodying MIFFest’s mission of elevating cinema that speaks to the now, and looks to the future.

Themed Infinity: A Future-Facing Key Visual Brought to Life by Wing Shya

The 8th MIFFest carries the theme INFINITY, a reflection of cinema’s boundless capacity to connect, to heal, and to inspire in times of change. More than ever, a film festival becomes an endless space where stories flow, where courage, hope, and humanity converge through the shared experience of cinema. INFINITY speaks to the limitless power of storytelling to bridge distances, ignite compassion, and with equal poignancy and quiet strength..

Shared by the President of MIFFest, Ms. Joanne Goh: “The journey of MIFFest has been truly inspiring. As we reflect on how to best honour storytelling through this meaningful platform, we ask ourselves — how can MIFFest present stories in the most engaging, critical, and compassionate way? Cinema is a universal language. The passion we speak, through the lens of our storytellers, remains our core. With our new theme, Infinity, we embrace a deeper sense of hope, to stay 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 and photographer Wing Shya (celebrated for his iconic collaborations with Wong Kar Wai) was commissioned to craft the festival’s key visual.

“Cinema has always been a kind of magic,” said Wing Shya. “A person’s entire life can be condensed into a single film, bare, vulnerable, almost naked, and yet, somehow, we feel it all. That’s the power of storytelling. That’s the magic of time in cinema.”

ASEAN On Screen: FINAS and MIFFest Shaping Regional Cinema with A Purposeful New Approach

As Malaysia takes on the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2025, MIFFest, in collaboration with the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), unveils ASEAN On Screen — a dedicated programme celebrating the richness of Southeast Asian film and television. The initiative was announced by FINAS Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib.

Established as a key pillar of the festival, ASEAN On Screen places regional narratives at the forefront of MIFFest, nurturing cross-border collaboration, co-production opportunities, and creative exchange, all anchored by a renewed commitment to purpose-driven storytelling.

A Partnership For Progress: Hong Leong Bank Backs MIFFest’s Future

MIFFest announced a landmark three-year partnership with Hong Leong Bank as the Official Bank of the festival through 2027, a long-term collaboration rooted in a shared vision to champion cinema culture, creative community development, and industry growth in Malaysia. Together, MIFFest and HLB will chart a purposeful roadmap for the future of films, fostering dialogue, education, and wider access for the next generation of storytellers and audiences.

Shared by Mr. Zalman Zainal, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer of Hong Leong Bank: “We see ourselves as more than just a bank; we are enablers of enriching experiences and champions of the vibrant tapestry of life, and that extends to our support of creative industries. This vision fuels our partnership with MIFFest, recognizing the power of creativity and storytelling – from the silver screen to music and immersive experiences – to connect, inspire, and bring joy to our customers and the wider community. We hope this partnership will drive the growth of our local entertainment scene, and further enrich the experiences of film lovers and the industry alike.”

MIFFest Strengthens European Partnership For EUFF’s 25th Anniversary

Further strengthening its international collaborations, MIFFest continues its partnership with the Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, presenting the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia as a parallel section of MIFFest. This landmark collaboration promises EUFF’s most extensive line-up to date, reflecting the shared commitment to cinematic dialogue, cultural exchange, and the enduring power of European storytelling.

Running from 20-27 July 2025, the 25th edition of EUFF will span eight days of exciting programmes and events, bringing European cinema closer to Malaysian audiences through a curated selection of films, special sessions, and cultural showcases.

Deputy Head of Mission, Delegation of the European Union to Malaysia, Mr. Timo Goosmann, shared: “Since its inception in 1999, EUFF has become a cultural institution in Malaysia, connecting people from all walks of life through the power of cinema. The European Union’s motto, ‘In varietate concordia’ (united in diversity) reflects not only Europe, but also the spirit of Malaysia. Together with MIFFest, we continue building bridges between our regions, fostering greater understanding of Europe’s rich cultural landscape. Cinema allows us to share stories, dreams, and enduring human values — empathy, kindness, and connection.”

MIFFest Expands Its International Exchanges, Deepening Ties with India and Hong Kong

MIFFest continues to serve as a crucial platform for cultural exchange, reaffirming its collaborations with The High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur (HCIKL) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, which remain as the festival’s Principal Cultural Partner.

This ambitious partnership reflects MIFFest’s vision to position itself as Malaysia’s foremost platform for celebrating Indian cinema, not only in presenting some of the finest titles and works from India, but also in creating meaningful opportunities to spotlight Indian filmmakers, creative voices, and emerging talent. MIFFest looks to deepen this collaboration in the years ahead, expanding its role as a key occasion for cultural connection and cinematic dialogue between India and Malaysia.

At the same time, MIFFest continues its valued collaborations with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (HKETO), the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA), and the Hong Kong Film Development Council (FDC), returning for the third consecutive year to celebrate Hong Kong cinema through community-driven initiatives, academic discourse, and industry engagement.

MIFFest 2025 Invites Audiences To Experience INFINITY

The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival will take place from 19-27 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, inviting the community and the industry to gather for a 9-day-long celebration of cinema, culture, and connection.

For more information, visit the MIFFest website at www.miffest.com.my. Stay updated by following their social media on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.

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About the Malaysia International Film Festival - MIFFest
MIFFest, a fusion of global and local cinema set against Malaysia's dynamic backdrop, kicked off in 2016. With the goal of becoming one of the key cinematic hubs in Southeast Asia. MIFFest offers a platform for creatives to present their work, nurtures emerging talent, and showcases standout films, celebrating cultural diversity throughout.

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