The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has officially unveiled key highlights for its highly anticipated 9th edition, set to take place from 18 to 25 July 2026. The announcement was made during 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 annual celebration of cinema. Supported by its strategic partner, the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), MIFFest continues to strengthen its role as a leading platform for cinematic exchange and cultural dialogue in the region.
The 9th edition introduces the theme “Resonance,” envisioned by Joanne Goh, Founder and President of MIFFest. The theme frames cinema as a force that continues to move audiences long after the final frame. In a time marked by environmental challenges, social divisions, and widening inequality, films are seen as more than entertainment. They serve as reflections of truth, urgency, and emotional depth. “Resonance” positions cinema as a living exchange where stories extend beyond the screen into conversations, empathy, and moral reflection across borders and generations. Joanne Goh shared that films do not end when the screen fades to black, but continue to echo in conversations, memory, and the hopes of those seeking dignity and truth, with MIFFest bringing these echoes together to amplify the voices and courage of storytellers. The theme is visually represented by the colour purple, symbolising depth, introspection, and transformation, with flowing waves shaped by light and lens reflections representing cinema’s lasting impact on society.
MIFFest also introduced its 2026 ambassadors, showcasing a blend of established talents and emerging voices in Malaysia’s creative scene. New ambassadors Jack Tan and Zizan Razak join returning ambassador Daiyan Trisha, who marks her second year, and Bront Palarae, who continues his long-standing involvement with the festival for the seventh consecutive year. Together, this cross-generational group reflects the evolving spirit of Malaysian cinema, bridging artistry, industry, and audiences.
Following a successful debut, ASEAN On Screen returns for its second edition, continuing its mission to celebrate Southeast Asian storytelling and strengthen regional collaboration. First introduced in 2025 alongside Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship, the initiative highlights the region’s rich cultural identity through curated screenings, industry forums, and networking sessions, providing a platform for filmmakers and industry professionals to connect and collaborate across borders. FINAS CEO Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib highlighted that MIFFest has evolved into a strategic cultural platform connecting Malaysia to regional and international networks, with ASEAN On Screen playing a key role in increasing visibility and growth within the Asian film ecosystem.
MIFFest is expanding its global presence through a collaboration with the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF 2026), where a dedicated segment titled “Focus on ASEAN Countries, Presented by MIFFest” will showcase selected ASEAN films to international audiences. This initiative aims to strengthen Southeast Asia’s cinematic presence globally while fostering cross-border dialogue and collaboration.
The festival also announced a new collaboration with Kampong Film Lab, an initiative by the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), focusing on nurturing emerging filmmakers through mentorship, training, and project development. A key highlight is the introduction of an AI-focused programme for emerging filmmakers, exploring the role of artificial intelligence in filmmaking and encouraging innovative storytelling approaches.
In a move to broaden its international programming, MIFFest will present Russian Film Week in collaboration with ROSKINO and the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation. The programme will feature five contemporary Russian films from 2025 to 2026, all screened with English subtitles and offered free of charge, aiming to strengthen cultural exchange and foster long-term creative collaboration between Malaysia and Russia.
MIFFest continues its collaboration with the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, reinforcing its role as a platform for showcasing Indian cinema in Malaysia while promoting cross-cultural storytelling and supporting filmmakers from both nations.
The festival also continues to build strong partnerships to support the growth of the creative industry. Hong Leong Bank returns as the Official Bank for its second year, continuing a three-year collaboration focused on supporting film culture and creative communities, while Foodpanda joins as the Official Food Delivery Partner to enhance accessibility and convenience for festival audiences. Other key partners include Mah Sing Group as Festival Sponsor, Trident Global Holdings as Official Sponsor, and Sungei Wang Plaza and Mega Star Arena as Official Award Venue Partners for the Malaysia Golden Global Awards scheduled for 25 July 2026. Etix serves as Official Ticketing Support, with MAISEAT as the Official Ticketing Sponsor.
MIFFest 2026 will also feature an immersive exhibition titled Algorithmic Organisms 2.0, presented by Jazzy Group with support from the National Art Gallery Malaysia. Created by internationally acclaimed artist Ray Tijssen, the exhibition explores the intersection of artificial intelligence, generative systems, sound, and spatial experience, and will take place from 4 to 19 July 2026 at The Grey Box, GMBB Kuala Lumpur. The experience invites audiences into a dynamic environment where digital lifeforms and audiovisual elements evolve in real time, while the festival’s official poster reflects this concept through an algorithmically generated hybrid form symbolising the fusion of nature, technology, and creativity. Positioned as Malaysia’s first large-scale AI generative art experience, the exhibition is expected to attract audiences from the creative, technology, and art sectors, with tickets available through platforms such as Klook Malaysia and Damai, including early bird and student options.
