The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded on a spectacular note with the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), celebrating outstanding achievements in international cinema. Held in line with this year’s theme, “Resonance,” the prestigious awards ceremony brought together acclaimed filmmakers, celebrated actors and emerging talents from around the world, recognising films and performances that transcend cultural boundaries and connect with audiences through the universal power of storytelling.
One of the evening’s biggest highlights was the success of Lucky Lu, directed by Lloyd Lee Choi, which took home the coveted Best Film award. The film impressed the international jury with its heartfelt storytelling, emotional authenticity and thoughtful exploration of identity, resilience and belonging. Its victory highlights how intimate and deeply human stories can resonate with audiences across different cultures and backgrounds.
Meanwhile, acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to world cinema. Known for acclaimed works including Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Poetry and Burning, Lee has established himself as one of contemporary cinema’s most influential auteurs. Chinese actor, filmmaker and action icon Wu Jing also received the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film, recognising his significant contribution to contemporary Asian cinema and the action genre.
The Best Director award went to Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa for Aisha Can’t Fly Away, praised for his compelling cinematic vision and powerful exploration of displacement, survival and human dignity. Meanwhile, Sri Lankan actor Mahendra Perera won Best Actor for his performance in Riverstone. The Best Actress award was jointly presented to Ong Xuan Jing for Ah Girl and Lila Gueneau for Silent Rebellion, while Priyantha Sirikumara and Audrey Lin (Li Li-li) received the Best Supporting Actor and Best Supporting Actress awards for Riverstone and Girl, respectively.
The Red Hangar was another standout winner of the night, securing two major awards for its artistic achievements. Diego Pequeño won Best Cinematography for the film’s striking visual presentation, while Luis Emilio Guzmán received Best Screenplay for a nuanced script that explores human drama alongside themes of history, loyalty and conscience.
The New Hope Award, presented by renowned Indian filmmaker Goutam Ghose, was awarded to Ah Girl, directed by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla. The recognition celebrates the work of an emerging filmmaker whose originality, authentic storytelling and artistic vision represent an exciting new voice in international cinema.
Meanwhile, the Audience Choice Award, determined by festival audiences throughout the nine-day celebration, went to Sirāt, directed by Oliver Laxe. The film follows a father and son as they journey through the deserts of southern Morocco in search of a missing family member, unfolding into an emotional exploration of hope, loss, resilience and the enduring strength of family bonds.
As the curtain falls on the 9th edition of MIFFest, the festival continues to strengthen its position as an important international film platform in Asia. Through its celebration of diverse cinematic voices and meaningful cultural exchange, the event demonstrates the enduring ability of cinema to inspire empathy, spark conversations and create lasting connections across borders. Guided by the theme “Resonance,” the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards once again showcased the transformative power of storytelling and its ability to leave a lasting impact on audiences worldwide.
