The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) proudly presents the Malaysian Premiere of Bluefish (청어), a powerful action drama that brings together an impressive lineup of talent from South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Indonesia. The film delivers a gripping story centred on redemption, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection, positioning itself as one of the festival’s most anticipated titles.
Directed by acclaimed Korean filmmaker Lee Sang-hoon (이상훈 / 李相薰) and produced by Joanne Goh, President and Founder of MIFFest, Bluefish stands as a strong example of Pan-Asian collaboration in contemporary cinema. The production highlights the growing creative synergy among filmmakers across the region, blending diverse storytelling traditions into a unified cinematic experience.
The film stars South Korean actor Ji Seung-hyun, known for his performances in The Swordsman and Holy Punch, alongside Hong Kong actress Cecilia Choi, celebrated for her emotionally rich roles, including her award-winning performance in Beyond the Dream. Adding further international appeal, Indonesian martial artist and actor Yayan Ruhian also makes a special appearance, bringing his signature intensity seen in global hits such as The Raid series and John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum.
At its core, Bluefish follows a troubled drifter haunted by his violent past whose life changes after meeting a mute young woman. Their unexpected encounter evolves into a deeply emotional journey of healing and redemption, exploring how compassion can emerge even in the darkest circumstances.
As the film makes its Malaysian debut at MIFFest, it is expected to resonate strongly with audiences through its blend of emotional storytelling and high-impact action, further strengthening its position as a standout feature in this year’s festival lineup.
Stay tuned for further announcements on screening schedules, guest appearances and
festival activities surrounding Bluefish at the 9th Malaysia International Film Festival this July.
