The venue on the day of the event
The 25th European Film Festival Malaysia (EUFF) kicked off on 20 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, marking a significant milestone in the festival’s history. For the first time, EUFF is joining forces with the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), uniting European and Southeast Asian cinema in a joint celebration of storytelling and cultural exchange.
A Shared Celebration of Film and Culture
The opening ceremony was held at GSC MyTOWN, drawing filmmakers, diplomats, cultural leaders, and media representatives from both Europe and Southeast Asia. Centered around this year’s theme, Infinity, the evening emphasized the power of film to foster creative exchange and deepen mutual understanding through film.
A unique performance blended traditional Malaysian dance with European classical music, enhanced by visual art projections from local Malaysian artists. This multimedia presentation captured the fusion of cultural influences and embodied the festival’s spirit of collaboration.
MIFFest President Joanne Goh addressed attendees with a message about the power of international artistic cooperation. “This collaboration reflects our shared belief in the power of cinema to bridge cultures, foster dialogue, and celebrate the richness of global storytelling with films representing 18 European countries, including several titles also featured in the 8th MIFFest’s competition,” she noted. The 2025 lineup features films from 18 European countries, several of which are also participating in the MIFFest competition section.
MIFFest President Joanne Goh (first on the right) with the attendees
Following Goh’s remarks, H.E. Rafael Daerr, Ambassador of the European Union to Malaysia, officially opened the festival. “It’s wonderful to see how the European Film Festival has developed since 1999. Today, it stands as one of the most significant international film festivals in Malaysia. And this year, with trust and unity, we proudly mark the 25th edition in parallel with the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival,” he said, highlighting the importance of cultural diplomacy and long-standing collaboration between Europe and Malaysia.
Spotlight on European Cinema
Attendees were shown a curated preview of the festival’s diverse selection of films, spanning genres, languages, and perspectives from across Europe. A group photo session brought together key organizers and cultural representatives to mark the occasion.
Actor Zizan Razak at the 8th Malaysia International Film Festival
The evening concluded with the Malaysian premiere of Year of the Widow, directed by Czech filmmaker Veronika Lišková. Co-produced by Slovakia and Croatia, the film tells the story of Petra, a woman navigating grief, financial uncertainty, and bureaucratic hurdles following the sudden death of her husband. This marks Lišková’s debut narrative feature, following her internationally recognized documentary work.
A Week of Cinematic Discovery
Running from 20 to 27 July 2025, the 25th European Film Festival Malaysia, in partnership with MIFFest, offers a week-long platform for audiences to engage with European cinema and explore new cinematic voices. More than just a series of film screenings, the festival invites viewers into a broader conversation about culture, identity, and the power of film to build bridges across borders.
For more information, visit http://www.miffest.com.my.
