8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) 2025

The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) took place from July 19 to July 27, 2025, in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. This prestigious event served as a global stage for cinematic excellence, featuring brand ambassadors Bront Palarae, Siti Saleha, and Daiyan Trisha. The festival celebrated a diverse array of storytelling, opening with the world premiere of Ninavau by Bebbra Mailin and concluding with the Malaysian premiere of the coming-of-age film Transamazonia by Pia Marais.

Opening and Closing Ceremonies

The festivities commenced on July 19, 2025, at the Sunken Garden, MyTOWN Shopping Centre. The opening ceremony welcomed guests with a showcase of 65 films from 48 countries, spanning over 43 different languages. The opening film, Ninavau, provided a poignant exploration of Sabahan and Kadazan culture, setting a high standard for the cultural exchange to follow.

ASEAN On Screen

A major highlight of the 8th edition was the launch of ASEAN On Screen. This new industry initiative is designed to showcase the creative content and exceptional talent of Southeast Asia to a global audience, fostering collaboration and visibility for regional filmmakers.

Jury and Selection Committee

The integrity of the competition was maintained by a rigorous selection process involving industry professionals across several stages.

The Preliminary Selection Committee included a wide range of experts such as 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, and Zahir Omar.

Official Selection and Special Programmes

The Official Selection featured 62 films from 49 countries and 43 languages, including 3 world premieres, 4 Asian premieres, 6 Southeast Asian premieres, and 38 local premieres.

Manifesto Documentary Programme

The festival introduced Manifesto, a powerful documentary programme focusing on untold stories and lessons that resonate across generations. It serves as a call to reflect and honor the voices that shape our world.

Actor in Focus Reza Rahadian

Indonesian cinema icon Reza Rahadian was celebrated for his versatility and magnetic presence. With a career spanning over two decades and four Citra Awards, his work in films like Habibie & Ainun and My Stupid Boss has cemented his status as a trailblazer in Asian cinema.

Master At Work Raj Kapoor and Ti Lung

MIFFest honored two legends of cinema:

• Raj Kapoor: To mark his 100th birth anniversary, the festival celebrated "The Showman of Indian Cinema," whose classics like Awaara and Sangam transcended borders.
• Ti Lung: A towering figure of Hong Kong cinema, celebrated for his martial arts mastery in Shaw Brothers' epics and his role in John Woo's A Better Tomorrow.

Lenses of Indian Women Filmmakers

In collaboration with the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur, the festival presented a special programme spotlighting the visionary perspectives and artistic resilience of Indian female directors, showcasing their ability to challenge and transform cinematic narratives.