China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival opens in Kuala Lumpur

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China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival opens in Kuala Lumpur

Writer: Ann Tan

Cross-cultural cinema festival features heritage films and industry forums

3 Jun - The 2nd edition of the China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival officially opened last Friday at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by Lomo Pictures Sdn Bhd, with support from FINAS, the festival is co-hosted by GSC International Screens and the China Film Archive, and presented by Trico Group and Hong Jun Capital.

This year's festival brings together cinematic works from both countries - ranging from restored heritage films and contemporary hits to forums exploring cinema with XR and AI - offering audiences an immersive cultural exchange through film.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications of Malaysia, and Dato' Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS, alongside distinguished guests from the film and cultural sectors. The festival runs through 8 June and simultaneously screens in Penang at GSC Gurney Plaza.

Organising Chairman Mr. Aron Koh remarked, "This festival offers a unique platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and young enthusiasts from both countries to share their passion and perspectives. Through dialogue and collaboration, it highlights the power of cinema to celebrate diversity and bridge cultures."

YB Teo Nie Ching shared, "The China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival is more than a celebration of cinema, it is a growing platform for deepening cooperation between our two countries. With our shared cultural affinity and minimal language barriers, we see greater potential for co-productions across film, animation, and new technologies."

(from left) Jing Yi (Vice-President, Trico Group), Dato' Azmir Saifuddin (CEO, FINAS), Datuk Hans Isaac (Chairman, FINAS), YB Teo Nie Ching (Deputy Minister, Communications of Malaysia), Aron Koh (Organizing Chairman, China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival), Pan Vui Shang (Head of Exhibition, GSC International Screens) & Li Tao (Director, China Film Archive)

This year's programme features highlights including the newly restored 1934 silent classic "The Goddess" starring Ruan Lingyu; Hong Kong's beloved 1987 comedy "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World", recent Chinese blockbusters "Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms" and "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force", romantic comedy "Honey Money Phony" and suspense thriller "A Place Called Silence" directed by Malaysian filmmaker Sam Quah.

Malaysian acclaimed films include "Guang", "Sepet" and "Blooms of Happiness", showcasing local storytelling with cultural depth.

The festival also hosts industry programmes including a forum on AI and filmmaking, plus an acting workshop led by renowned Hong Kong director Clifton Ko, providing insights into how evolving technologies are reshaping storytelling across Asia.

Lomo Pictures announced a strategic partnership with Beijing Tianying Holdings Group Co.,Ltd., with plans to co-develop the first XR co-production between China and Malaysia, marking a new chapter in transnational film-tech collaboration.

Following its Malaysian chapter, the festival will travel to Xi'an, China, expanding the cultural bridge across borders.

Festival screenings are priced at RM10 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur and GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang. A special exception applies to "It's a Mad, Mad, Mad World" - screened at RM15 from 5 June 2025 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, GSC Gurney Plaza, and GSC Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru.

Tickets are available via the GSC website, mobile app, or self-service kiosks.

Cinema Online, 03 June 2025