The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) recently unveiled its official program lineup and will be grandly held from July 18 to 25. With the theme 'Resonance,' this year’s festival brings together 65 films from 35 countries and regions in 27 languages, including 2 world premieres, 1 international premiere, 3 Asian premieres, 12 Southeast Asian premieres, and 28 Malaysian premieres, continuing to foster an international platform for film culture exchange.
This year’s film festival will open with BAGA: Tomorrow Belongs To No One, directed by Malaysian filmmaker Ariff Zulkarnain, showcasing Malaysia’s creative prowess through the story of a local fishing village. The closing film is Yellow Letters, winner of the Golden Bear at the Berlin Film Festival, which will bring the festival to a contemplative conclusion.
One of the festival’s highlights is the presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to South Korean master director Lee Chang-dong, in recognition of his outstanding contribution to world cinema. During the festival, his acclaimed classics Peppermint Candy and Oasis will be specially screened, paying tribute to this internationally renowned director.
In addition, renowned Chinese actor and director Wu Jing will receive the Outstanding Film Achievement Award, recognizing his years of dedication to the development of Chinese-language action films. The festival will also specially screen his major martial arts action blockbuster Escort: Winds of the Desert.
This year sees the simultaneous return of multiple special segments, including 'New Trends in Hong Kong Cinema,' 'Indian New Wave,' 'ASEAN On Screen,' as well as the debut of 'Korean Cinema: Culture in Motion' and 'Russian Film Week,' offering a comprehensive showcase of the diversity in Asian and international filmmaking.
Besides film screenings, MIFFest will also host masterclasses, forums, and special sharing sessions. Students and the public can purchase film passes, allowing film buffs to experience the charm of world cinema up close and attend a feast of light and shadow that transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries.
For details on ticketing, film festival passes, and the complete program, please visit: www.miffest.com.my.#