the prestigious Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX, marking two decades of cultural exchange and cinematic celebration between Japan and Malaysia. The event, hosted by The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur (JFKL), in partnership with GSC International Screens, was a grand success, bringing together distinguished guests, filmmakers, and cinema enthusiasts.
The evening began with a warm welcome from Ms. Koh Mei Lee, CEO of Golden Screen Cinemas. She expressed gratitude to partners like The Japan Foundation and the Embassy of Japan in Kuala Lumpur for contributing to the festival’s success. Ms. Koh also noted the festival’s continued popularity despite changing movie-going habits postpandemic.
She also unveiled the exciting lineup of 13 films screening across seven locations nationwide, including the much-anticipated “GODZILLA MINUS ONE” and the screening of the 1954 original “GODZILLA” to mark the iconic monster’s 70th anniversary. “There’s something for everyone,” she said, mentioning the wide variety of genres from indie films like “A Samurai in Time” to anime classics like “AKIRA” and heartwarming family dramas.
H.E. Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, Ambassador of Japan to Malaysia, shared his thoughts on the importance of the
festival in fostering cross-cultural understanding. He emphasized how the festival not only entertains but also strengthens the bond between the two nations. “Through the Japanese Film Festival, Malaysians have had the chance to experience the values, culture, and lifestyle of the Japanese people. I hope this year’s festival continues to deepen that connection,” said Ambassador TAKAHASHI.
The event also featured the unveiling of a special initiative to nurture young filmmakers. JFKL, supported by Canon Malaysia, organized a 5-day Short Film Workshop for Teens, led by acclaimed Malaysian director Lim Kah Wai. Sixteen Malaysian and Japanese teens came together to create two short films, which were screened before the Opening film. The workshop is a reflection of JFKL’s commitment to fostering future talents and encouraging cross-cultural collaboration through the art of filmmaking.
The Guest of Honor, YB Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, shared his thoughts on the evolving filmmaking industry in Malaysia. He applauded the festival for its role in fostering collaboration and creativity among young filmmakers. “The free five-day Short Film Workshop for Teens, organized by JFKL, exemplifies the festival’s commitment to nurturing future filmmakers. Programs like this are vital to expanding the local film industry and encouraging cross-cultural storytelling,” he stated.
The evening concluded with a photo session involving all VIPs, Sponsors and Partners, which includes YB Fahmi Fadzil, H.E. Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko, Ms. Koh Mei Lee, and Mr. TSUKAMOTO Norihisa, Director of The Japan Foundation Kuala Lumpur. Attendees were then escorted to their screening halls for the much-anticipated opening film GODZILLA MINUS ONE, which was shown on the large IMAX screen for a truly immersive experience.
The Japanese Film Festival 2024 will showcase an exciting lineup of 13 films spanning various genres, including drama, romance, animation, and sci-fi. The festival will kick off at GSC cinemas across Klang Valley (GSC Mid Valley, GSC 1 Utama & Aurum Theatre, The Exchange TRX) from September 12 to 18, then move to Penang (GSC Gurney Plaza) from September 19 to 22, and Johor Bahru (GSC Paradigm Mall JB) from
September 26 to 29. Afterward, the festival will tour East Malaysia, with stops in Kuching (GSC CityONE Megamall) from October 10 to 13 and Kota Kinabalu (GSC Suria Sabah) from October 17 to 20.
The National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS)), Mr. TSUKAMOTO Norihisa (Director, The Japan Foundation, Kuala Lumpur), H.E. Mr. TAKAHASHI Katsuhiko (Ambassador, Embassy of Japan in Malaysia), YB Tuan Ahmad Fahmi (Minister,
Ministry of Communication and Digital), Ms. Koh Mei Lee (Chief Executive Officer, Golden Screen Cinemas), Mr. MAKINO Kosuke (Chief Executive in Malaysia, Mitsubishi Corporation)
Back row (from left) : Mr. Marcel Lariche (Chief Executive Officer, Cinema Online), Mr. YOSHIIE Masato (Chief Executive Officer,
Canon Marketing Malaysia), Mr. SUMA Takeshi (Chief Executive Officer, The Vida World), Mr. SATOMI Koichiro (Deputy Group Managing Director of Asia Pacific, Kinokuniya Book Stores (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.), Mr. OGAWA Atsushi (Managing Director,
Imuraya Malaysia Sdn Bhd), Mr. KASAHATA Yuusuke (Sales & Space Design / Business Development Manager Global Stationery Business Division, Kokuyo). Mr. Zeejay Wong (Co-Founder, ana tomy), Mr. Umapagan Ampikaipakan (Managing Editor, Goggler)
The Filmmaking Workshop participants with Director Lim Kah Wai and Mr. YOSHIIE Masato.
Festival-goers will have the opportunity to collect stamps throughout the festival to redeem exclusive goodies and prizes1. For a complete listing of film synopsis, showtimes, and additional information, please visit JFF official website at https://jfklevents.com/japanese–film–festival–2024.
All films will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles, with tickets priced at RM 10.00, except for “A Samurai in Time,” which will be sold at prevailing ticket prices There will also be a special IMAX screening of “GODZILLA MINUS ONE” at AURUM, The Exchange TRX with tickets priced at RM 50.00.
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