Bront Palarae Returns to Malaysia Int’l Film Fest as Ambassador With Siti Saleha, Daiyan Trisha; Event Deepens India, Hong Kong, Europe Ties

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The eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has announced an impressive roster of ambassadors, with popular actor Bront Palarae back for his sixth year. This time, he’s accompanied by two other renowned actors, Siti Saleha and Daiyan Trisha.

The threesome symbolizes the festival’s team’s portrayal as “a generation of narrators who are strongly linked to their audience, culture, and community,” reflecting MIFFest’s aim to highlight films addressing current matters while focusing on the future.

This summer’s festival, from July 19th to the 27th, has revealed a grand plan under the theme “Infinity.” The goal of this year’s event is to explore how movies can foster relationships and understanding amidst periods of transformation.

This year’s festival is extending its global reach through new partnerships, one of which is “ASEAN On Screen” – a special program showcasing films and TV shows from Southeast Asia. As Malaysia takes over the ASEAN chair in 2025, it has collaborated with the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (FINAS) to launch this initiative.

The head of FINAS, Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib, emphasized that this initiative plays a crucial part in highlighting regional stories, encouraging cross-border teamwork, and offering chances for joint production based on compelling narratives.

The festival maintains its partnerships with the Indian High Commission in Kuala Lumpur and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, who serve as our primary cultural allies. MIFFest strives to be recognized as Malaysia’s premier venue for honoring Indian cinema, offering chances for Indian filmmakers and up-and-coming talent.

For the third straight year, MIFFest continues its alliances with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Hong Kong Film Development Council. This partnership aims to honor Hong Kong cinema by involving community programs, academic discussions, and industry interactions. Notably, renowned Hong Kong artist Wing Shya, who has collaborated with Wong Kar Wai, designed the festival’s main artwork this year.

The MIFFest has further solidified its alliance with the Delegation of the European Union in Malaysia, showcasing the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia as a companion event. From July 20-27, this significant collaboration is set to present EUFF’s widest selection of films yet.

Ever since its beginning in 1999, EUFF has evolved into a cultural pillar in Malaysia, bridging connections among individuals from various backgrounds through the enchanting medium of cinema,” I find myself saying. “The European Union’s guiding principle, ‘In varietate concordia’ (unity in diversity), mirrors not just Europe, but also the essence of Malaysia.

Joanne Goh, president of the festival, contemplated the festival’s changing purpose: “As we ponder how to most effectively celebrate storytelling through this significant medium, we question – what is the best way for MIFFest to share stories in an engaging, insightful, and empathetic manner? Film is a global language. With our latest theme, Infinity, we adopt a more profound sense of optimism, to remain brave, compassionate, and eager to uncover tales that inspire us.

The upcoming festival is set to kick off at MyTown Shopping Centre, featuring film screenings and various events, all of which are backed by Hong Leong Bank who will act as the main sponsor for the next three years under this fresh partnership deal.

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2025-04-18 01:48