9th Malaysia International Film Festival kicks off with "Resonance" theme

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9th Malaysia International Film Festival kicks off with "Resonance" theme

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Writer: Heidi Hsia

MIFFest marks 9th edition

20 Jul - The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) is now officially open.

Held under this year's theme, "Resonance," the opening ceremony, held at the MyTOWN Shopping Centre, marked not only the beginning of another remarkable festival, but also a historic milestone as MIFFest received its official recognition from ASEAN Records.

The evening began with a dazzling red carpet, where distinguished guests, filmmakers and celebrated personalities gathered to mark the opening of the festival. Leading this year's Opening Film delegation were executive producer Shafiq Yusof, director Ariff Zulkarnain, and renowned Malaysian actor Syafiq Kyle, joined by Cambodian actress and rising Southeast Asian talent Sarita Reth.

Syafiq Kyle joined by wife Mimi Lana and actor Amir Ahnaff

Bront Palarae arriving on the red carpet

Also gracing the red carpet were acclaimed local personalities including Jojo Goh, actor-director Nam Ron, actress June Lojong, alongside many distinguished filmmakers and festival guests from Malaysia and abroad.

The ceremony officially commenced with a welcome address by Joanne Goh, Founder and President of the Malaysia International Film Festival, who expressed, "This year, our theme is Resonance. Resonance is the lasting echo of a story. It is the emotion that remains long after the credits roll, the conversations that continue beyond the cinema, and the connections that film creates across cultures, generations, and borders."

Joanne Goh alongside Daiyan Trisha, Jack Tan and Bront Palarae

She added that while every film eventually reaches its final frame, its true impact lies in the conversations it inspires, the empathy it creates, and the lasting connections it leaves behind.

The audience was also addressed by YBhg. Datuk Manoharan Periasamy, Chairman of Tourism Malaysia, who reaffirmed his support for MIFFest's continued role in strengthening Malaysia's creative industry. He was joined by the presence of YBhg. Datuk Bahria Mohd Tamil, Deputy Secretary General (Strategic Communications & Creative Industry), Ministry of Communications, as well as Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, Chief Executive Officer of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), alongside distinguished guests from the local and international film industry.

A defining moment of the evening came with the official presentation of the ASEAN Records title to the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), recognising the festival's pioneering contribution in establishing a lasting regional platform for Southeast Asian cinema through ASEAN On Screen, alongside its annual Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA).

MIFFEST is now in the ASEAN Records

The evening continued with presentations of appreciation to the dedicated individuals who helped shape this year's festival programme, including the MIFFest Preliminary Selection Committee, the Jury Panel for the Semi-Final Stage, and the Jury Panel for the Final Stage, recognising their invaluable expertise and commitment in curating this year's outstanding international film selection.

Following the opening ceremony, distinguished guests, filmmakers and festival audiences adjourned to GSC MyTOWN for the World Premiere of this year's Opening Film, "BAGA: Tomorrow Belongs To No One," officially marking the beginning of MIFFest 2026's cinematic journey.

Directed by Ariff Zulkarnain, BAGA is set in a conservative seaside village on Malaysia's East Coast and follows Jani and Melur, two young lovers whose dreams of a better future are tested by an unexpected pregnancy, poverty, addiction, and the harsh realities surrounding them. As desperation drives Jani into the drug trade, the couple must confront the difficult choices that define survival in a community where opportunities are scarce and every decision carries lasting consequences.

BAGA chosen as the opening film

Celebrating Cinema Beyond Borders
As MIFFest enters its ninth edition, the festival continues to expand its international footprint through curated programmes that celebrate diverse voices from around the world.

Among this year's highlights is Russian Film Week, presented in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, ROSKINO, and Mosfilm. Festival audiences can enjoy FREE screenings of four acclaimed Russian films, offering a rare opportunity to experience the depth, artistry and cultural richness of Russian cinema.

Together with signature programmes including ASEAN On Screen, Hong Kong Cinema in Flux, New Rhythms of Indian Cinema, Open Air Cinema, masterclasses, industry forums and international showcases, MIFFest continues to strengthen its position as one of Southeast Asia's leading platforms for global cinematic exchange.

Tickets for the 9th Malaysia International Film Festival, running from 18 to 25 July, are available via the GSC website, GSC Mobile App, and GSC kiosks at GSC MyTOWN, with tickets priced at just RM15 per screening. Festival-goers can also enjoy 15% OFF concession purchases (terms and conditions apply), making it the perfect opportunity to discover an extraordinary line-up of films from around the world.

Cinema Online, 20 July 2026

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