China-Malaysia ties reach their half-century mark with a film festival

KUALA LUMPUR: The first China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival took place from June 21 to 23, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia. The venue was Pavilion Kuala Lumpur’s Dadi Cinema, located in Jalan Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur.

Eleven exceptional Chinese and Malaysian films were screened, along with seminars for filmmakers that facilitated communication between the cinema industries of the two nations and between audiences and filmmakers.

The Communications Ministry and the National Film Development Corporation of Malaysia (Finas) provided full support for the China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival.

Aron Koh, the chairman of the festival’s organising committee, stated that the Malaysian film industry has been thriving lately and has made a concerted effort to increase collaboration and exchange with the Chinese film sector.

He stated: “Through this film festival, we hope to introduce to the audience the film projects co-produced by China and Malaysia, facilitate exchanges among filmmakers from both countries, stimulate the creativity of students in film disciplines, and provide a platform for cross-cultural exchanges in the global film industry.”In order to collaboratively produce more fascinating and top-notch works, I hope that this festival can further develop mutual understanding between China and Malaysia as well as their cultural ties.” 

Koh continued by saying that the festival might take place annually in various cities in both nations. 

The Malaysian-Chinese action drama ‘Victim(s)’, directed by Chinese filmmaker Layla Yi, was screened during the festival’s opening ceremony on June 21.

Stars from China and Malaysia, such as Huang Lu, Lin Yi Ting, Fu Xian Rui, Xu An Zhi, and Han Jia Hao, were featured in the movie.

Mothers searching for the truth in a high school murder case are at the centre of the narrative.

When the movie debuted at significant film festivals like the New York Asian Film Festival in the United States and the 14th FIRST Youth Film Exhibition in China last year, it was well-received by critics. 

At the 22nd Udine Far East Film Festival in Italy, it was just awarded the Audience Choice Silver Mulberry Award.

“Small Town Heroes,” which was directed by Ryon Lee, Roh, Sheriff, and the following films were also shown: “Narko Integriti,” “Prebet Sapu,” “Born To Fly,” “No More Bets,” “Wandering Earth 2, Creations Of The Gods 1: Kingdom Of The Storms,” and “One And Only.”

Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching presided over the festival’s opening, which was seen by Datuk Kamil Othman, chairman of Finas, and Datuk Azmir Saifuddin Mutalib, the organization’s CEO.

In order to give Malaysian films a boost and encourage the film industry’s continued growth, Teo emphasised that Malaysian filmmakers should strive high and collaborate with their international counterparts. 

Celebrated on May 31, Malaysia and China marked 50 years of diplomatic ties, which began in 1974 after then-prime minister Tun Abdul Razak Hussein travelled to Beijing, China, and met Mao Zedong, the leader of the Chinese Communist Party.