Latest news with #EUFF
New Straits Times
20-07-2025
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Sabahan celebration of family values marks start of MIFFest 2025
KUALA LUMPUR: "Ninavau", a heart-warming, 90-minute family drama that showcases Kadazan-Dusun culture and highlights indigenous family life in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, heralded the start of the week-long 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) yesterday. Directed by Sabahan Bebbra Mailin, who is marking her big screen debut, "Ninavau" tells the story of a young woman who studied in Kuala Lumpur and returns to her hometown Kota Kinabalu, with a "secret" that her widowed father Edward and feisty younger sister Elvira struggle to accept. To complicate matters, Edward has been scammed into parting with a six-figure sum of money, and Elvira is preparing for a marriage that she is not ready for. At the launch of the festival in MyTown Mall, Cheras yesterday, Bebbra said that "Ninavau" not only showcased the customs and culture of indigenous Sabahans, but also highlighted their interactions with their friends from Peninsular Malaysia, and the "hiccups" that had to be navigated. "Most of our actors and actresses are newcomers, but they were very dedicated to bringing each of their characters to life. The story of our heroine, Ninavau, and her family members is rooted in reality," she said. The main actress Jovinea Jim said that she could identify with Ninavau, as she had encountered somewhat similar experiences as the character. "The story is told from her point of view, but each major character is well-developed and speaks directly to the audience. Here's a story that's close to Malaysians' hearts and can be appreciated by everyone," she said. Besides Jovinea, "Ninavau" also stars Edward Sinsong as the protagonist's father and Tati Eliana Tonny as her sister. MIFFest's founder Joanne Goh said that this year's festival, with the theme "Infinity," continued its predecessors' mission of championing homegrown storytelling and embracing international co-productions. She said: "MIFFest also partners with the 25th European Union Film Festival to present 15 European titles. The "MIFFest x EUFF" opens with Czech drama "Year of the Widow" and features Denmark's "The Girl with the Needle" and Ukraine's "Taste of Freedom." Goh added that MIFFest highlights six Southeast Asian movies, including Vietnam's "Cu Li Never Cries" and Singapore's "Stranger Eyes." "It has 62 films from 48 countries," she said, adding that 38 Malaysian films are in the event. The festival honours Hong Kong action hero Thomas Tam, or Ti Lung, with a lifetime achievement award. The 78-year-old star will receive the honour at the Malaysia Golden Global Awards ceremony at Zepp KL, on July 26. "MIFFest celebrates Indian movie legend Raj Kapoor's centenary with screenings of "Awara" and "Bobby"," said Goh. She added that MIFFest was honouring Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian, who will receive the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film. He is in the festival's jury panel alongside British filmmaker Asif Kapadia, Malaysian actress Diana Danielle, Hong Kong actress Jennifer Yu, and Indian filmmaker Rima Das. Goh said that the competition features nine movies, with Palestinian drama "All That's Left of You" by Cherien Dabis leading the race with seven nominations. Goh said: "Since our establishment in 2016, we have offered a wide range of opportunities and platforms for filmmakers to showcase their work. "MIFFest offers audiences a chance to embark on a cinematic journey through films from diverse cultures. We aspire to be a space where global and local voices unite." This year, singer-songwriter and actress Daiyan Trisha, actress Siti Saleha Baharom, and actor Bront Palarae serve as MIFFest ambassadors, while United States-based Malaysian filmmaker Rachel Tan is promoting her new romantic comedy, partly set in Kuala Lumpur, "Worth the Wait".
Al Etihad
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Lights, camera, action as curtain rises on European Film Festival at Cultural Foundation Abu Dhabi
22 June 2025 18:54 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Good news for film fans and European Film Festival (EUFF) is being held in Abu Dhabi on June 23 to 29 at the Cultural Foundation Abu second edition of the festival is being organised by the European Union Delegation to the UAE, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), with the support of EU Member States Embassies and Cultural Institutes in the can expect to be transported to diverse landscapes, experience captivating narratives, and witness the power of European year's festival features a curated selection of 17 European films from a diverse range of countries, including Latvia, Poland, Netherlands, Malta, Germany, Czechia, Austria, France, Italy, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Ireland, Hungary, Sweden, Spain, Romania and a significant first, an Emirati film will also be featured, 'Mountain Boy'. This award-winning production was brought to life by a team of 32 Emirati cast and crew members, including Emirati film director, Zainab festival offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in both European and Emirati cultures, discover exceptional cinematic talent, and engage in a vibrant exchange of EUFF will also host a free three-day workshop titled 'Developing and Funding Films: From Concept to Creation', led by European film expert, Graziella Bildesheim, an award-winning producer with over 30 years of experience in the film industry. The workshop is specifically designed for producers, aspiring filmmakers, screenwriters and industry professionals. Participants will have the chance to hone their craft, learn from experienced professionals and connect with fellow EUFF is designed to foster collaboration between EU and UAE film professionals, promote cultural exchange and empower local talent through the sharing of insights and best are Dh25 for one film, Dh150 for a multi-day pass. Screening programme:- Monday, June 23 'Flow' (animation, 7pm) – Latvia- Tuesday, June 24'Mountain Boy' (adventure, 6pm) - UAE'Dangerous Gentlemen' (crime comedy, 8pm) – Poland- Wednesday, June 25'Bigman' (family, 4pm) - Netherlands'Carmen' (romantic comedy, 6pm) - Malta'Two to One' (comedy, 8pm) – Germany- Thursday, June 26'Living Large' (animation, 4pm) - Czechia'Mond' (drama, 6pm) - Austria'The Musicians' (comedy musical, 8pm) – France- Friday, June 27'Io Sto Bene' (drama, 4pm) - Italy'The Trap' (drama, 6pm) - Bulgaria'Remember to Blink' (drama, 8pm) – Lithuania- Saturday, June 28'Tarrac' (sports drama, 4pm) - Ireland'Four Souls of Coyote' (animation, 6pm) - Hungary'UFO Sweden' (sci-fi adventure, 8pm) – Sweden- Sunday, June 29'Ramona' (romantic comedy, 2pm) - Spain'Horia' (adventure, 4pm) - Romania 'Riders' (adventure, 6pm) - Slovenia
Rakyat Post
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rakyat Post
The Malaysia International Film Festival 2025 Brings 62 Films From 48 Countries To KL
Subscribe to our FREE The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest 2025) continues its mission to bridge Malaysian and global cinema through daring, diverse, and impactful storytelling – cementing its position as Southeast Asia's rising hub for international film appreciation. This year, the festival proudly unveils 62 films from 48 countries, presented in over 43 languages, a stunning tapestry of storytelling from every corner of the world. Opening & Closing Films: A Journey of Emotion and Urgency 🎬 Opening Film: Ninavau A Malaysian feature exploring cultural identity and emotional heritage—intimate, powerful, and deeply resonant. 🎬 Closing Film: Transamazonia An international co-production spanning France, Brazil, Germany, Switzerland, and Taiwan. This sweeping environmental epic explores transformation and resilience through visually stunning storytelling. Honouring Legends & Luminaries: Awards and Achievements 🏆 Lifetime Achievement Award: Ti Lung Honoured under the 'Master At Work' series. Tribute includes a special screening of A Better Tomorrow by John Woo – a landmark in Hong Kong action cinema. 🏆 Award for Excellent Achievement in Film: Reza Rahadian Indonesian actor known for Habibie & Ainun and My Stupid Boss , recognised for his influence and dedication to Southeast Asian cinema. Festival Highlights & Special Programmes A-Lister Programme Top picks from visionary filmmakers: Grande Maison Paris by Ayuko Tsukahara – a high-stakes culinary drama in Paris What Does That Nature Say to You by Hong Sang-soo – minimalist, poetic, and intimate Malaysian Dispatch Showcasing the evolving voice of Malaysian cinema: Housekeeping by Zahir Omar Memori by Abid Hussain Manifesto Socially engaged cinema featuring two Malaysian filmmakers: From Island to Island by Lau Kek Huat The Tides Will Decide by Azim Rizal Neon Celebrating emerging talents and directors with a maximum of three films under their belt – Renoir by Japanese director Chie Hayakawa is a poignant exploration of aging, legacy, and beauty, viewed through the lens of a painter grappling with personal and artistic transformation. Open-Air Cinema Outdoor screenings of beloved Malaysian classics and crowd-pleasers in a communal, nostalgic setting. Regional & Global Spotlights Spotlight on Indian Cinema Tribute to Raj Kapoor with screenings of Awara and Bobby Lenses of Indian Women Filmmakers featuring Village Rockstars 2 by Rima Das , who also serves on the MIFFest 2025 Jury There will also be five films for Harbour of Stories: Hong Kong On Screen , and Year of the Widow, opening for MIFFest x EUFF in collaboration with the 25th European Union Film Festival. 🌏 ASEAN On Screen In celebration of Malaysia's 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship: 6 Southeast Asian films spotlighting bold regional storytelling Includes the ASEAN On Screen Summit featuring dynamic panel discussions on digital transformation within the film industry, offering insights into the evolving landscape of SEA cinema with major figures like: Lee Dong Ha (Producer, Train to Busan ) Saville Chan (Producer, Hong Kong) Lee Sang-Hoon (Actor/Director, Korea) Save the Date: 8th MIFFest 2025 🎟️ Festival Dates: 19 – 27 July 2025 Movie Pass: RM49.99 Promo Rate (HLB cardholders): RM39.99 Visit the official MIFFest website for tickets, accreditation, and the full lineup. Follow MIFFest on for updates. Share your thoughts with us via TRP's . Get more stories like this to your inbox by signing up for our newsletter.
