Japanese Film Festival 2025 launches through universal language of cinema

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Japanese Film Festival 2025 launches through universal language of cinema

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Writer: Ann Tan

Partners and sponsors of Japanese Film Festival 2025

12 Sep - The Japanese Film Festival 2025 has officially commenced with its opening ceremony at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, welcoming distinguished guests, filmmakers and cinema enthusiasts for an evening celebrating Japanese cinema.

Hosted by The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), in partnership with Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC) International Screens, the event was warmly welcomed by Mr Pan Vui Shang, Head of Exhibition, GSC, who thanked long-standing JFF partners for their continued support.

This year's festival showcases thirteen specially curated films, screening at GSC locations across Malaysia from 10 September to 19 October. The diverse lineup spans genres from heartfelt dramas to food-centric films, highlighting cinema's role in cultural exchange.

H.E. Mr Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, emphasised how the 21st edition continues offering Malaysian audiences a window into Japan's filmmaking spirit, diversity, and creativity. He expressed excitement over Director Uesugi Tetsuya's participation, who conducted workshops for Malaysian students, deepening cultural bonds between the nations.

H.E. Mr Shikata Noriyuki, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia

The event featured a special initiative to nurture young filmmakers. JFKL, supported by Canon Malaysia, organised a 3-day Short Film Workshop for students from Multimedia University (MMU), Sunway University, New Era University College (NEUC), and the National Academy of Arts, Culture and Heritage (ASWARA), led by director Uesugi Tetsuya. Additionally, a forum titled 'Filmmaking in Commercials' was held with local creatives Lily Samsuddin and Muhammad Shaffuan.

Guest of Honour YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, noted that JFF serves not only as a showcase for Japanese films but as a channel for knowledge exchange in filmmaking. "As the Malaysian film industry grows, we must seize every opportunity to raise the next generation of storytellers," he said.

The Filmmaking Workshop participants with Director Uesugi Tetsuya, Mr Yoshiie Masato, Mr Yasumitsu Shinsaku, Dato Afdlin Shauki and Mr Tsukamoto Norihisa

YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil

The evening concluded with a photo session involving all VIPs, sponsors and partners, including YB Datuk Fahmi Fadzil, H.E. Mr. Shikata Noriyuki, Mr Pan Vui Shang, and Mr Tsukamoto Norihisa, Director of The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur.

The festival features 13 films spanning drama, romance, suspense, and includes a Samurai masterpiece classic. Festival-goers can participate in the JFF Stamp Rally to collect stamps and redeem exclusive prizes.

The Japanese Film Festival 2025 will take place at the following GSC cinemas in West and East Malaysia:

Klang Valley (GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama, GSC MyTOWN): 10 - 17 September
Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza): 18 - 21 September
Johor Bahru (GSC Paradigm Mall JB): 25 - 28 September
Kuching (GSC CityONE Megamall): 9 - 12 October
Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah): 16 - 19 October

All films will mainly be presented in Japanese with English subtitles. Tickets are priced at RM10.00, except for "The Solitary Gourmet," which will be sold at prevailing ticket prices.

For JFF 2024 movie showtimes and information, visit Cinema Online's Japanese Film Festival 2025 page HERE.

*We have complimentary passes to give away!* Click HERE for details

Cinema Online, 12 September 2025