Kuala Lumpur, 2 April 2026 – The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has officially unveiled key highlights for its highly anticipated 9th edition, set to take place from 18 – 25 July 2026. The announcement was made at a press conference held at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Kuala Lumpur, the festival’s official hotel partner.
The festival will once again open at MyTOWN Shopping Centre, in collaboration with GSC International Screens as the official cinema partner, marking a vibrant return to its signature annual celebration of cinema. Supported by its strategic partner, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), MIFFest continues to strengthen its position as a leading platform for cinematic exchange and cultural dialogue in the region.
RESONANCE: Stories That Reverberate Across Borders and Generations
The 9th edition of MIFFest introduces its theme, Resonance, as envisioned by Joanne Goh, Founder and President of MIFFest, who frames cinema as a force that continues to move through us long after the final frame.
In a time when the world reveals its fragility through environmental strain, social fracture, and widening disparity, films must do more than inform or entertain, they must echo with meaning, urgency, and emotional truth. Resonance positions cinema as a living exchange, where stories extend beyond the screen into the conversations they provoke, the empathy they cultivate, and the moral questions they refuse to settle, reverberating quietly, then powerfully, across borders and generations.
As shared by Joanne Goh, “Films do not end when the screen fades to black, they echo in conversations, in memory, and in the quiet hope of those seeking dignity and truth. At MIFFest, these echoes converge, amplifying the courage of storytellers and the urgency of their voices.” Anchored in purple, the theme colour symbolising depth, introspection, and transformation, this year’s key visual features flowing waves shaped by light and lens reflections, representing the reverberations of cinema and its quiet yet lasting influence on society.
A Chorus of New Voices: MIFFest Ambassadors 2026
MIFFest proudly unveils its 2026 ambassadors, reflecting a dynamic blend of established voices and emerging influence across Malaysia’s creative landscape.
Joining this year’s line-up are Jack Tan and Zizan Razak, bringing fresh energy and new perspectives to the festival. They stand alongside Daiyan Trisha, returning for her second year, and Bront Palarae, who continues his longstanding journey with MIFFest for the seventh consecutive year.
Together, this cross-generational group embodies the evolving spirit of Malaysian cinema, bridging artistry, industry, and audience in meaningful ways.
ASEAN On Screen Returns, Extending Its Reach Beyond Borders
Following its successful debut, ASEAN On Screen returns for its second edition at MIFFest 2026, continuing its mission to celebrate Southeast Asian storytelling and strengthen regional collaboration.
Introduced by MIFFest, the initiative reflects a shared belief in cinema’s power to amplify voices and bring Southeast Asia’s rich cultural landscape onto the global stage. First launched in 2025 alongside Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, it celebrates the region’s distinct cinematic identity and spirit.
Through curated screenings, industry forums, and networking sessions, the programme brings together stories and perspectives from ASEAN countries, fostering dialogue on collaboration, identity, and the future of regional storytelling. It serves as a platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and cultural partners to connect and collaborate.
As highlighted by Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS, at the press conference, MIFFest has evolved into a strategic cultural platform connecting Malaysia to regional and international networks, with initiatives like ASEAN On Screen driving greater visibility, collaboration, and growth within the Asian film ecosystem.
FOCUS ON ASEAN COUNTRIES, Presented by MIFFest
Extending Southeast Asia’s Cinematic Voice to the Global Stage
Building on the momentum of ASEAN On Screen, MIFFest expands its regional vision through a strategic collaboration with the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF 2026).
As part of this partnership, AWFF will introduce a dedicated segment, “Focus on ASEAN Countries, Presented by MIFFest.” Selected ASEAN films curated under ASEAN On Screen will travel to AWFF, extending their reach to wider international audiences and creating new opportunities for filmmakers to engage with the global industry.
More than a showcase, this collaboration reflects a shared commitment to strengthening Southeast Asia’s cinematic presence, fostering cross-border dialogue, and building a more connected and inclusive film ecosystem.
The Collaboration Continues with FEFF
MIFFest also continues its long-standing collaboration with the Far East Film Festival (FEFF), marking the fifth year of partnership between the two events in 2026. The enduring relationship reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the global visibility of Malaysian cinema while strengthening ties between regional and international film communities, as both festivals work together to bridge Eastern and Western industries by combining their networks, resources, and curatorial expertise to foster a more dynamic and inclusive space for cinematic exchange.
As part of this year’s collaboration, MIFFest will support the selection and presentation of a Malaysian film at FEFF 2026, providing an important platform for Malaysian stories to reach new international audiences.
An Exciting New Collaboration with Kampong Film Lab – JAFF as Programme Activation Partner
MIFFest introduces a new collaboration with Kampong Film Lab, an initiative by the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF) dedicated to nurturing emerging filmmakers through mentorship, training, and hands-on project development.
As part of this partnership, MIFFest will introduce an AI-focused programme for emerging filmmakers, taking place across both MIFFest and JAFF platforms. The initiative aims to explore the evolving role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking while fostering new creative approaches and strengthening regional talent development.
Bridging Cinematic Dialogues: Russian Film Week at MIFFest 2026
MIFFest expands its international programming through a new collaboration with ROSKINO, the government body representing Russia’s audiovisual industry globally, and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, to present a curated programme, Russian Film Week, at its 9th edition.
The programme will feature five contemporary Russian films, offering Malaysian audiences a rare glimpse into Russia’s cinematic landscape. All screenings will be presented with English subtitles and offered free of charge to encourage wider accessibility.
This initiative reflects a shared commitment to strengthening cultural exchange and industry ties between Malaysia and Russia, while reinforcing MIFFest’s role as a platform for global cinematic dialogue. The selected titles, spanning recent works from 2025–2026, will each be screened once during the festival. More than a showcase, Russian Film Week lays the groundwork for ongoing collaboration, fostering long-term creative exchange between both countries.
Expanding Global Dialogues: Strengthening Cultural Exchange with India
MIFFest continues to deepen its role as a platform for international exchange, reinforcing its long-standing collaboration with the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur (HCIKL) and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India.
This partnership reaffirms MIFFest’s position as a key platform for showcasing Indian cinema in Malaysia, while creating meaningful opportunities to spotlight filmmakers, emerging voices, and cross-cultural storytelling between both nations.
Driving Cinema Forward Through Meaningful Partnerships
MIFFest continues to strengthen its ecosystem through strategic partnerships that support the growth of cinema and the creative industries.
Hong Leong Bank returns for its second year as the festival’s Official Bank, continuing a three-year collaboration grounded in a shared commitment to champion film culture, empower creative communities, and broaden access to the arts. Together, this partnership supports meaningful engagement, education, and opportunities for the next generation of storytellers and audiences.
Joining this year’s line-up, Foodpanda comes on board as the Official Food Delivery Partner, enhancing the overall festival experience and accessibility for audiences.
The 9th MIFFest also welcomes Mah Sing Group as the Festival Sponsor and Trident Global Holdings as the Official Sponsor, alongside Sungei Wang Plaza and Mega Star Arena as the Official Award Venue Partners for the Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), taking place on 25 July 2026.
Strengthening the festival’s audience reach, etix comes on board as the Official Ticketing Support, with MAISEAT as the Official Ticketing Sponsor.
Beyond the Screen: An Immersive Exhibition at the Intersection of Art and Technology
Introduced by Joanne Goh and presented by Jazzy Group, with the support of the National Art Gallery Malaysia (Balai Seni Negara), Algorithmic Organisms 2.0 is an immersive audiovisual experience by internationally acclaimed artist 0010×0010 (Ray Tijssen), powered by Alien Illuminate and SQNXR’s concept and technology.
Taking place from 4–19 July 2026 at The Grey Box, GMBB Kuala Lumpur, the project explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, generative systems, sound, and spatial experience.
Moving beyond a traditional exhibition format, it invites audiences into a dynamic environment where digital lifeforms, moving images, and sound evolve in real time.
Extending this concept into its visual identity, the official poster itself takes form as an algorithmic organism—a hybrid flower-bird entity generated through algorithmic processes, symbolising the convergence of nature, technology, and creative evolution.
Positioned as Malaysia’s first large-scale AI generative art experience, the exhibition offers an immersive encounter for creative, tech, and art audiences alike. Ticketing will be available across multiple platforms, including Klook Malaysia and Damai, with early bird and student access.
Stay tuned and visit jazzygroup.com for further updates and information.
