KUALA LUMPUR — The Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) has earned a place in the Asean Records, receiving the title of “First independently organised International Film Festival to feature a concurrent annual film awards ceremony and a standing Regional Cinema Curatorial Programme.” 

The recognition was officially presented yesterday at MyTown shopping centre during the opening ceremony of the ninth MIFFest, acknowledging the festival’s efforts in building a regional cinema platform through Asean On Screen and its annual Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA).

Asean On Screen is a regional cinema programme under MIFFest that showcases films from South-east Asia, highlighting stories reflecting the region’s diverse cultures, identities and social experiences.

This year’s lineup features Bury Us in a Lone Desert (Vietnam), Dopamine (Indonesia), Phra Ruang: Rise of the Empire (Thailand), Republic of Pipolipinas (Philippines), Tears in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) and The Sandbox (Singapore).

Meanwhile, the MGGA celebrates filmmaking achievements across categories, including Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor and Actress, Best New Director, Audience Choice Award and Lifetime Achievement Award.

MIFFest founder Joanne Goh said the recognition represented the collective efforts of the filmmaking community.

“On behalf of the Malaysia International Film Festival, I am truly humbled to accept this recognition.