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| Malaysia’s Biggest Film Festival Is Back: MIFFest 2025 Brings 62 Films from 48 Countries to KL This July |
Kuala Lumpur’s cinema scene is about to light up — again — as the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) returns for its 8th edition this July, bringing along a globe-trotting mix of cinematic gems and fresh new voices.
Set to run from 19–27 July 2025 at MYTown KL, with its signature Golden Global Awards happening on 26 July at Zepp KL, this year’s MIFFest is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet.
With the theme “Infinity”, MIFFest 2025 is going all out, screening 62 films from 48 countries, told across 43 languages — a celebration of borderless storytelling and global creativity.
🎬 Opening and Closing: Local Heart, Global Reach
The festival kicks off with “Ninavau”, a quietly powerful Malaysian short by Bebbra Mailin, telling the story of a Kadazan woman returning home to Sabah after time in Peninsular Malaysia — carrying with her a personal transformation that stirs tensions with her devout Catholic family.
Meanwhile, closing honours go to “Transamazonia”, a haunting international co-production linking France, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan — touching on environmental crises, womanhood, and survival across continents.
🌌 Open-Air Nostalgia: Malaysia’s Movie Nights Under the Stars
For those craving a bit of nostalgia and night-sky cinema vibes, MIFFest’s open-air screenings are back. Local favourites like The Journey, Munafik 2, Polis Evo, Hantu Kak Limah and Desolasi will be shown — proof that Malaysian cinema has its own magic worth revisiting.
🇮🇳 Spotlight on India: From Raj Kapoor to Rising Women Filmmakers
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One of MIFFest 2025’s proudest features is its tribute to Indian cinema, including a heartfelt homage to the legendary Raj Kapoor, dubbed the ‘Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema’.
But it’s not just the past being celebrated — women filmmakers are taking centre stage too, with powerful titles like Second Chance, Village Rockstars 2, Boong, and Victoria showing how far Indian indie voices have come.
🏮 Hong Kong on Screen: Identity, Loss and Modern Motherhood
Also getting a dedicated spotlight is Hong Kong cinema, under the curated section “Harbour of Stories”. Expect titles like Last Song for You, Montages of a Modern Motherhood, The Way We Talk, and Valley of the Shadow of Death, all exploring identity, urban change, and generational gaps in modern HK life.
🌟 Honouring Icons: Ti Lung and Reza Rahadian Take the Stage
Two major stars will be recognised this year. Ti Lung, the legendary Hong Kong actor and martial arts icon, will receive the Lifetime Achievement Tribute, honouring his unforgettable legacy in crime and wuxia cinema.
Meanwhile, Reza Rahadian, a name known and loved across Southeast Asia, will be awarded for Excellent Achievement in Film, celebrating his powerful presence in both commercial hits and indie favourites from Indonesia.
🎥 Jury Dreams: Star-Studded Panel Returns
This year’s Distinguished Jury Panel is one to watch, with:
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Asif Kapadia (UK) – Oscar-winning filmmaker (Amy, Senna)
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Jennifer Yu (Hong Kong) – rising actress and producer
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Reza Rahadian (Indonesia) – also joining the jury
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Rima Das (India) – auteur behind Village Rockstars
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Diana Danielle (Malaysia) – actress, singer, and style icon
🌍 Film Lovers, Get Ready
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| Joanne Goh (Pic: Raymond) |
“This year’s titles are especially exciting — and yes, some of them are world premieres,” said Joanne Goh, MIFFest founder. “We’ve worked hard to bring these films here for Malaysians, so if you love movies, don’t miss this.”
Whether you're a seasoned film buff or just looking for something new to watch this July, MIFFest 2025 promises global stories, bold ideas, and cinematic soul — all right here in Kuala Lumpur.
📍 MIFFest 2025
🗓 19–27 July at MYTown, KL
🏆 Golden Global Awards – 26 July at Zepp KL
🌐 More info at www.miffest.com.my