Sabahan filmmaker's Ninavau to open 8th MIFFest
Published on: Friday, June 13, 2025
Published on: Fri, Jun 13, 2025
By: Ricardo Unto Text Size: The promotional still for Ninavau. KUALA LUMPUR: The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) will open with Ninavau, a Malaysian film directed by Sabahan filmmaker Bebbra Mailin, when it runs from July 19-27 at MyTown here, with the Golden Global Awards set for July 26 at Zepp KL. Ninavau tells the story of a Kadazan woman who returns from the peninsula to her devout Catholic family in Sabah, carrying with her a profound change of heart.
Advertisement It explores themes of cultural identity and emotional heritage in a narrative that is intimate, powerful, and deeply resonant. The festival will close with Transamazonia, an international co-production highlighting global environmental and social themes, contrasting Ninavau's localised narrative with global perspectives. Other highlights include open-air screenings of Malaysian hits like The Journey, Munafik 2, and Polis Evo 1, alongside special showcases on Indian cinema and modern Hong Kong stories. This year's Lifetime Achievement Tribute will go to Hong Kong action legend Ti Lung, while Indonesian actor Reza Rahadian will be honoured for Excellent Achievement in Film. MIFFest 2025 will present 62 films from 48 countries, judged by a panel including Asif Kapadia, Jennifer Yu, Rima Das, Diana Danielle, and Reza Rahadian. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available.
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