8MGGA winners at the Press Conference
The 8th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) wrapped up its week-long celebration of international cinema with the prestigious Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA) held at ZEPP Kuala Lumpur from July 19, 2025. This year’s festival placed a spotlight on deeply personal stories, socio-political narratives, and poetic cinematic expression.
A highlight of the evening was a special tribute to iconic Hong Kong actor Ti Lung, recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award. With a distinguished career spanning martial arts epics and dramatic roles, Ti Lung was honoured as a pillar of Asian cinema and a symbol of enduring artistry.
The Best Film award winner at 8MGGA
“All That’s Left of You”: A Story of Intimacy in Crisis
The Best Film award went to All That’s Left of You by Cherien Dabis, a poignant portrayal of a Palestinian couple navigating love and identity amidst displacement. Praised for its emotional depth and measured storytelling, the film also earned Dabis the Best Screenplay award, acknowledging her powerful fusion of political insight and personal narrative.
Lotfi Achour’s Visionary Direction in “Red Path”
Tunisian director Lotfi Achour was awarded Best Director for Red Path, an evocative exploration of memory and trauma. Drawing from his theatrical roots, Achour delivered a visually rich and symbolically layered film that also took home the New Hope Award for its bold and forward-thinking cinematic approach.
Excellence in Cinematography
Isabelle Stachtchenko won Best Cinematography for Universal Language, a film that speaks through its striking visuals to express emotions beyond words. Her work was commended for crafting a truly universal visual narrative.
Best Supporting Actor winner, Han Haolin
Outstanding Performances Across Borders
Mahmood Bakri Chatila was named Best Actor for his powerful portrayal in To A Land Unknown, which captures the psychological toll of displacement. In the supporting category, Han HaoLin won Best Supporting Actor for My Friend AnDelia, where his performance as a young boy stood out for its emotional sensitivity and quiet strength.
A Festival of Global Connection
The awards night brought together filmmakers from around the world, reinforcing MIFFest’s commitment to global storytelling and cultural exchange. With themes of conflict, resilience, and human connection running through the winners’ list, this year’s MGGA underscored cinema’s ability to build bridges across cultures.
As filmmakers like Dabis and Achour continue to shape contemporary storytelling, the 8th MGGA stands as a testament to cinema’s role in exploring the spaces between identity, silence, and shared humanity.
For more information, visit www.miffest.com.my.
