15 Feb – The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) is set to make its return. The upcoming festival, now in its fifth edition, will take place from 10 to 15 July 2022, with the Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) to be held on 16 July at the Istana Budaya, Kuala Lumpur. This upcoming festival is also a collaboration with the 24th Udine Far East Film Festival (FEFF). "I hope that the filmmakers from both countries are able to have some cultural exchange and interactions through the collaboration with the 24th Udine Far East Film Festival. It could also bring co-production opportunities for the filmmakers in Malaysia." said Joanne Goh, the chairperson and founder of the MIFFest. "2022 will become a milestone for Udine Far East Film Festival as we set the foundation to strengthen our ties with the Southeast Asian film industries, and in particular, with Malaysia with the help of MIFFest." said Sabrina Baracetti, president of FEFF, "Through the partnership, we look forward to providing richer programming to the West in April, and to grow and strengthen it even more in the coming years."
MIFFest and MGGA aim to create a platform for international filmmakers to interact with each other and for the Malaysian film industry to reach out to a wider international platform. Joanne Goh will be heading to Italy in April to attend the 24th FEFF and to conduct the film festival promotional activities, as well as presenting several of Malaysia's best films to the audience in Udine and for the attention of more international filmmakers, "It's time for the international film industry to watch Malaysian films," she enthused. It is noted that the last edition of the festival had to be held in a hybrid fashion following the surge of COVID-19 cases. However, this year, the festival will return in its physical form, with Malaysian film star Bront Palarae serving as the ambassador.