2nd China Malaysia Film Culture Festival

The 2nd edition of the China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival officially opened today at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by Lomo Pictures Sdn Bhd, with the support of the National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS), the festival is co-hosted by GSC International Screens and the China Film Archive, and proudly presented by Trico Group and Hong Jun Capital.

2nd China Malaysia Film Culture Festival

This year’s festival brings together a compelling lineup of cinematic works from both countries—ranging from restored heritage films and contemporary hits to forums exploring the intersection of cinema with XR and AI—offering audiences an immersive cultural exchange through the universal language of film.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications of Malaysia, and Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib, CEO of FINAS, alongside distinguished guests from the film and cultural sectors. The festival runs through 8 June and simultaneously screens in Penang at GSC Gurney Plaza, continuing its cross-country celebration of cinematic dialogue.

Speaking at the opening, Organizing Chairman, Mr. Aron Koh remarked: “This festival offers a unique platform for filmmakers, industry professionals, and young enthusiasts from both countries to share their passion and perspectives. Through dialogue and collaboration, it highlights the power of cinema to celebrate diversity and bridge cultures. Every title in our lineup has been carefully curated to reflect the richness of our cinematic heritage and the distinct voices of today.”

YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications Malaysia, shared in her remarks: “The China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival is more than a celebration of cinema, it is a growing platform for deepening cooperation and joint creation between our two countries. With our shared cultural affinity and minimal language barriers, we see greater potential for co-productions across film, animation, and new technologies. This festival reflects the strength of that vision.”

This year’s curated programme features a broad spectrum of highlights: the newly restored 1934 silent classic The Goddess, starring Ruan Lingyu, remains a defining work in Chinese film history; Hong Kong’s beloved 1987 comedy It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World returns to the big screen, capturing the spirit of its era; recent Chinese blockbusters Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms and Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force are joined by romantic comedy Honey Money Phony and A Place Called Silence, a suspense thriller directed by Malaysian filmmaker Sam Quah. Together, these titles showcase the dynamic range of contemporary Chinese cinema. On the Malaysian side, acclaimed films such as Guang, Sepet, and Blooms of Happiness reflect local storytelling with cultural depth—offering a rich cinematic dialogue between the two nations.

On the Malaysian side, acclaimed titles like Guang, Sepet, and Blooms of Happiness represent heartfelt storytelling rooted in local culture, offering audiences a rich view of Malaysia’s cinematic voice.

In addition to screenings, the festival also hosts special industry programmes—including a forum on artificial intelligence (AI) and filmmaking, as well as an acting workshop led by renowned Hong Kong director Clifton Ko. These platforms provide vital insights into how evolving technologies are reshaping storytelling across Asia.

Lomo Pictures also announced a long-term strategic partnership with Beijing Tianying Holdings Group Co.,Ltd., with plans to co-develop the first ever XR (Extended Reality) co-production between China and Malaysia. This marks a new chapter in transnational film-tech collaboration, underlining Malaysia’s growing relevance on the global creative stage.

Following its Malaysian chapter, the festival is set to travel next to Xi’an, China, expanding the conversation and cultural bridge across borders.

Festival film screenings are priced at RM10 and will be held exclusively at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur and GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang, for a limited selection of titles. This initiative reflects the festival’s commitment to accessibility and cultural inclusion. 

A special exception applies to the newly restored 1987 Hong Kong classic It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad World, which will be screened at RM15 as part of a limited engagement presented by GSC International Screens in collaboration with Lomo Pictures. These exclusive screenings will commence from 5 June 2025 at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur, GSC Gurney Plaza in Penang, and GSC Mid Valley Southkey in Johor Bahru. 

Tickets are available via the GSC official website, GSC mobile app, or at self-service kiosks in selected cinemas. For festival updates and announcements, audiences are encouraged to follow the official channels on Facebook and Instagram.