'Walid' is an action-packed film that tells the story of a teacher who embarks on a search for his pupils who had been kidnapped by traffickers. Photo: Handout
Two films, Walid and Mencari Ramlee, will represent Malaysia at the India-Asean Film Festival 2025, which taking place in Chennai, India until Oct 18, as part of the Asean-India Year of Tourism celebrations.
The Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai said in a statement that the screening of Walid was scheduled for Oct 16, followed by Mencari Ramlee on Oct 17.
"The India-Asean Film Festival aims to strengthen cultural cooperation and people-to-people connectivity between Asean Member States and India through cinema – a powerful medium for storytelling and cross-cultural understanding,” it said.
Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai K. Saravana Kumar said the India-Asean Film Festival is not only a tribute to the creativity of filmmakers but also a reaffirmation of the shared commitment of Asean and India to deepen cultural and tourism linkages.
"In Malaysia’s capacity as Chair of Asean 2025, we are privileged to spearhead this cultural initiative in celebration of the Asean-India Year of Tourism,” he was quoted as saying in the statement.
The India-Asean Film Festival 2025 is hosted by the Consulate General of Malaysia in Chennai, under Malaysia’s Chairmanship of Asean 2025, in collaboration with India’s Ministry of External Affairs, India Tourism and Avichi College of Arts and Science.
Other films in the lineup include India’s 12th Fail and Ponniyin Selvan, Thailand’s Time To Fly and Singapore’s Ah Boys To Men, showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of Asean and Indian cinema.
The inaugural ceremony was held at Avichi College in Chennai and featured cultural performances and addresses by Asean representatives.
Approximately 200 guests are estimated to attend the film festival, including Mencari Ramlee director Megat Sharizal and Layar Pictures executive associate Haslina Nor Mohamed, as well as members of the diplomatic community, officials, students and industry stakeholders.
"The India-Asean Film Festival 2025 underscores Malaysia’s continued commitment to promoting Asean unity, fostering cultural diplomacy, and advancing regional cooperation with India under the Asean-India partnership framework,” the statement added. – Bernama
