The China Film Festival 2024 in Malaysia officially launched at Dadi Cinema Pavilion Kuala Lumpur. Co-hosted by the China Film Archive, China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur, and Chinese Film Association of Malaysia, with the support of Ministry of Communications Malaysia, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, and China Film Administration, the festival carries the theme “Celebrating Five Decades of Friendship with Splendours of Chinese Cinema.” This theme celebrates the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations and showcases the deep-rooted cultural exchange and friendship between the two countries’ film industries.
Over 300 distinguished guests from both Malaysia and China gathered to witness this grand cultural event, including YB Teo Nie Ching, Deputy Minister of Communications Malaysia, Zheng Xuefang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Malaysia, Dato’ Azmir Saifuddin bin Mutalib, CEO of National Film Development Corporation Malaysia, Lin Siwei, Deputy Director of China Film Archive, Li Hua, Representative of China Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur, and Leonard Tee, President of Chinese Film Association of Malaysia.
The China Film Festival 2024 features 12 selected films, a mix of Chinese classics and contemporary works, divided into three major units. The “Echoes of Time” unit presents films such as Spiders, Third Sister Liu, and Red Sorghum, taking the audience on a journey through Chinese film history. These films highlight the artistic breakthroughs and innovations of Chinese cinema while reflecting societal and cultural evolution across different eras, emphasizing the role of film as a carrier of cultural heritage. The “Dreamscape of Chinese Animation” unit showcases Chang An and New Gods: Yang Jian, combining modern visual effects with traditional Chinese cultural backgrounds to illustrate the rise of Chinese animation on the global stage. The “Story Walkway” features contemporary films such as Never Say Never, Ping-Pong: The Triumph, and Pegasus 2, which offer moving and compelling stories that convey the spirit and cultural essence of modern China.
YB Teo Nie Ching emphasized the long history of film cooperation between China and Malaysia. She remarked that the China Film Festival serves as a valuable platform for filmmakers from both countries to exchange ideas and foster greater collaboration. The Film in Malaysia Incentive (FIMI) offers generous cash rebates for local productions, attracting international film crews to shoot in Malaysia. Notably,
the film “Abang Adik” has been selected by FINAS to represent Malaysia at the prestigious 97th Academy Awards in 2025, under the International Feature Film category, underscoring the prominence of local cinema on the global stage.
Zheng Xuefang noted that film, as an art of light and shadow, reflects reality while serving as a bridge for cultural exchange. This year marks the 50th anniversary of China-Malaysia diplomatic relations, with bilateral relations steadily advancing. The film festival provides an important platform to showcase the achievements of Chinese cinema and the fruitful cooperation between the two nations, further solidifying their cultural ties.
Lin Siwei pointed out that film not only records civilizations but also plays a crucial role in fostering international exchanges. The long-standing film cooperation between China and Malaysia has deepened under the Belt and Road Initiative in recent years. Through the screening of both classic and contemporary films, the festival continues to promote cultural exchange and mutual benefit in the film industries of both nations.
The opening film – Pegasus 2, captivated the audience with its thrilling race scenes and heartwarming, humorous storytelling, earning enthusiastic applause. Tickets will be available through Dadi Cinema’s ticketing system and app at a price of RM10 per screening. Don’t miss this rare opportunity!
