LEE Chang-dong Receives Lifetime Achievement Honour as Wu Jing and International Filmmakers Shine at MIFFest’s Celebration of World Cinema

The 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded on a spectacular note with the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards (MGGA), celebrating exceptional cinematic achievements from around the world while reaffirming this year’s festival theme, Resonance. Bringing together acclaimed filmmakers, celebrated actors and rising talents, the awards honoured stories that transcend borders and cultures, recognising the remarkable artistry and enduring impact of cinema.

A Master Storyteller Honoured

The evening’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Lee Chang-dong, recognising his extraordinary contribution to world cinema and his lasting influence on generations of filmmakers. Widely regarded as one of the defining auteurs of contemporary cinema, Lee’s body of work, including Peppermint Candy, Oasis, Poetry and Burning has earned international acclaim for its emotional depth, literary sensibility and compassionate exploration of the human condition.

Celebrating an Icon of Asian Action Cinema

Chinese actor, filmmaker and action icon Wu Jing received the Award for Excellent Achievement in Film, honouring his remarkable contribution to contemporary Asian cinema. From his early beginnings as a national wushu champion to becoming one of China’s most influential action stars and filmmakers, Wu Jing has continually elevated the action genre while inspiring audiences worldwide through his dedication to cinematic excellence.

“Lucky Lu” Takes the Festival’s Highest Honour

The coveted Best Film award was presented to Lucky Lu, directed by Lloyd Lee Choi. The film captivated the international jury with its heartfelt storytelling, emotional authenticity and nuanced exploration of identity, resilience and belonging, demonstrating the universal power of intimate human stories to resonate across cultures.

Morad Mostafa Recognised for Visionary Filmmaking

Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa received the Best Director award for Aisha Can’t Fly Away, recognised for his assured cinematic vision and compelling exploration of displacement, survival and human dignity. Through restrained yet powerful storytelling Mostafa delivers a deeply affecting portrait of resilience that leaves a lasting emotional
impact.

Powerful Performances Take Centre Stage and Riverstone Celebrates a Double Acting Triumph

Sri Lankan actor Mahendra Perera earned the Best Actor award for his commanding portrayal of Sergeant Udayasiri in Riverstone, delivering a performance of remarkable emotional restraint, complexity and authenticity.

The Best Actress honour was shared by Ong Xuan Jing for Ah Girl and Lila Gueneau for Silent Rebellion. Both actresses were recognised for performances distinguished by emotional honesty, vulnerability and exceptional screen presence.
Supporting performance awards went to Priyantha Sirikumara, who received Best

Supporting Actor for Riverstone, and Audrey Lin (Li Li-li), who was awarded Best Supporting Actress for Girl. Their memorable performances added remarkable depth and humanity to their respective films.

A Double Win for The Red Hangar

One of the evening’s standout successes was The Red Hangar, which claimed two major awards for its exceptional artistic achievements. A restrained, intimate and deeply political story about men caught within the machinery of military power at the precise moment history forces them to choose sides, the film impressed the jury through both its visual
artistry and narrative strength.

Diego Pequeño received Best Cinematography for crafting striking imagery that heightens the film’s emotional tension and political atmosphere with remarkable precision an elegance. Luis Emilio Guzmán was honoured with Best Screenplay, recognised for a nuanced and compelling script that masterfully balances quiet human drama with the complexities of history, loyalty and conscience.

A New Voice for World Cinema

The New Hope Award, presented by renowned Indian filmmaker Goutam Ghose, was awarded to Ah Girl, directed by Ang Geck Geck Priscilla, recognising the film as an outstanding work by an emerging filmmaker. Celebrating originality, authentic storytelling and artistic vision, the award highlights a promising new cinematic voice whose work reflects the exciting future of international cinema.

The Audience Has Their Say

The Audience Choice Award, voted by festival audiences throughout the nine-day celebration of cinema, was presented to Sirāt, directed by Oliver Laxe, reflecting the film that most deeply connected with audiences and embodied the spirit of this year’s festival.

Following a father and his son as they journey through the deserts of southern Morocco in search of a missing family member, the film unfolds against the backdrop of an underground rave culture, evolving into a powerful and emotionally charged exploration of hope, loss, resilience and the enduring bonds of family.

Cinema That Continues to Resonate

As the curtain falls on its ninth edition, the Malaysia International Film Festival continues to strengthen its position as one of Asia’s leading international film festivals, championing diverse voices while fostering meaningful cultural exchange through cinema. Guided by this year’s theme, Resonance, the 9th Malaysia Golden Global Awards celebrated not only outstanding artistic achievement, but also the enduring power of storytelling to inspire empathy, spark conversation and build lasting connections across the world.

Federico Grandesso