29 Jul - The 7th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded with a spectacular Golden Global Awards ceremony, celebrating exceptional talents in cinema from around the world. The prestigious event, held on 27 July, showcased a diverse range of films and performances, highlighting the festival's commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange.
The festival's highest honour, Best Film, was awarded to "Every You Every Me", directed by Michael Fetter Nathansky. This emotionally resonant film also garnered awards for Aenne Schwarz as Best Actress and Michael Fetter Nathansky for Best Screenplay, underscoring its critical and artistic acclaim.
Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli were recognised with the Best Director award for their work on "In the Land of Brothers." The film was commended for its fearless storytelling of a globally relevant issue, showcasing intricate familial relationships amidst socio-political turmoil.
Meanwhile, Wu Kang Ren received the Best Actor award for his powerful portrayal in "Abang Adik", a film that also saw Jack Tan winning Best Supporting Actor for his nuanced performance. You Junfen's outstanding role in "The Great Phuket" earned her the Best Supporting Actress accolade, further highlighting the calibre of performances celebrated at this year's festival.
The ceremony also paid tribute to two iconic figures in cinema, Christine Hakim and Hirokazu Kore-eda, who received Lifetime Achievement Awards. On stage, Christine delivered a heartfelt and sentimental speech, reflecting on her journey over the past five decades. She expressed deep gratitude for the support and opportunities that have shaped her career, and spoke about the evolving landscape of cinema and its role in cultural storytelling. Kore-eda, a distinguished Japanese filmmaker known for his profound exploration of family and social themes, has left an indelible mark on global cinema with works like the Palme d'Or-winning "Shoplifters." His acceptance speech resonated with the audience, as he discussed the universal power of cinema to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds.
The jury, led by Suhasini Maniratnam and including esteemed members Zhang Xianmin, Felix Chong, Kong Rithdee, and Zul Ariffin, praised the diverse range of films and the exceptional storytelling exhibited by the participants.