Jack Tan, Zizan Razak Join Malaysia Film Fest 2026 Ambassador Lineup

The ninth Malaysia International Film Festival has unveiled its ambassador roster and key programming highlights for its 2026 version, set to run July 18–25 in Kuala Lumpur.

Comedic actor and entertainer Zizan Razak and actor Jack Tan have been confirmed as new ambassadors for the competition, generally known as MIFFest. They be part of returning ambassador Daiyan Trisha, now in her second yr with the competition, and Bront Palarae, who marks his seventh consecutive yr in the function. The cross-generational lineup is meant to mirror the breadth of Malaysia’s up to date movie business.

The ninth version adopts the theme “Resonance,” conceived by MIFFest founder and president Joanne Goh, who frames cinema as a medium whose influence outlasts the viewing experience itself. “Films do not end when the screen fades to black,” Goh said. “They echo in conversations, in memory, and in the quiet hope of those seeking dignity and truth. At MIFFest, these echoes converge, amplifying the courage of storytellers and the urgency of their voices.”

The competition will again open at MyTown Shopping Centre, with GSC International Screens persevering with as official cinema associate. Strategic help comes from the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), whose CEO Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib famous at the press convention that MIFFest has grown right into a cultural platform connecting Malaysia to regional and worldwide movie networks.

On the programming entrance, ASEAN On Screen returns for its second version, constructing on its 2025 debut during Malaysia’s ASEAN Chairmanship. The initiative brings together curated screenings, business boards, and networking classes spotlighting Southeast Asian cinema. A new partnership with the Asian World Film Festival (AWFF 2026) will see a collection of ASEAN On Screen titles journey to a devoted section titled “Focus on ASEAN Countries, Presented by MIFFest,” extending the attain of regional movies to worldwide audiences.

MIFFest has also entered a new collaboration with Kampong Film Lab, the filmmaker development arm of the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival (JAFF), which is able to function program activation associate. The tie-up will see each festivals collectively run a program for rising filmmakers centered on the use of artificial intelligence in the inventive course of.

A newly announced Russian Film Week, developed in partnership with Roskino and the Russian Ministry of Culture, will current 5 latest Russian titles with English subtitles, all provided freed from cost. The program is meant to put the groundwork for sustained inventive trade between Malaysia and Russia. MIFFest also reaffirmed its ongoing collaboration with the High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur and India’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, persevering with its function as a showcase for Indian cinema in the Malaysian market.

Alongside the main competition, an immersive audiovisual set up titled “Algorithmic Organisms 2.0” by Dutch artist 0010×0010 (Ray Tijssen) will run July 4–19 at The Grey Box, GMBB Kuala Lumpur. Presented by Jazzy Group with help from the National Art Gallery Malaysia, the work locations audiences inside an setting the place AI-driven imagery, shifting pictures, and sound shift in real time. Organizers are positioning it as the nation’s first major AI generative artwork experience.