SOUTH Indian sensation Suhasini Maniratnam, alongside other film-making luminaries, graced the first “India Night” held in conjunction with the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest).
The actress and director joined hands with her Indian and Malaysian counterparts to celebrate a unique partnership between the Indian government and MIFFest 2024.
Suhasini, 62, also lent her vast film industry experience to her role as festival jury president.
The night saw a cross-cultural interaction in honour of the Indian government’s role as the festival’s official supporting partner as well as India’s strong cinematic connection with Malaysia.
Producers, directors, actors and industry personalities from both nations graced the evening.
MIFFest founder and president Joanne Goh said the event signified a collective dedication to fostering cultural exchange and celebrating the power of cinema.
“We are honoured to be able to collaborate with India’s Information and Broadcasting Ministry and High Commission of India in Kuala Lumpur for this seventh edition of MIFFest.
“Your invaluable support has been instrumental in bringing this event to life and allowing us to showcase the rich and diverse heritage of Indian cinema,” she said in her opening speech at the event in Kuala Lumpur hosted by the High Commission.
Goh added that the dynamic growth of Indian cinema had drawn global filmmakers and encouraged cross-border cooperation.
“Filmmakers from Malaysia, India and other nations came together to exchange experiences and strengthen international collaboration.”
Indian High Commissioner to Malaysia BN Reddy expressed his enthusiasm over India being partner country of MIFFest.
He paid tribute to filmmakers who had contributed to nurturing the bilateral relationship.
“Cinema is a powerful medium, often characterised by its ability to transcend cultural and geographical boundaries.
“Indian cinema is a testament to the power of storytelling and this collaboration is a celebration of that enduring legacy,” he said.
Reddy also acknowledged the Malaysian government’s supportive policies that strengthened the bilateral bond.
He emphasised the role of the Indian diaspora and local enthusiasts in fostering a vibrant cinematic exchange.
Part of the week-long festival lineup included a seminar on “Incentives of Films in India and Official Co-productions” and a forum on “Indian Cinema and its Notion”.
This year’s MIFFest was themed “Uncaged”.
It featured an impressive lineup of 50 films from 30 countries and in over 35 languages, with showings at several locations in Kuala Lumpur.
A distinguished panel of jurors sat alongside Suhasini for the MIFFest 2024 competition.
This included Hong Kong screenwriter-director Felix Chong, respected Chinese professor-critic Zhang Xianmin and Thailand’s veteran film critic-director Kong Rithdee.
Completing the panel was Malaysia’s own Zul Ariffin, celebrated for his dynamic performances in film and television.
The competitive section of the festival highlights new films by emerging directors, with awards including for best film and plaudits for direction, cinematography, screenplay and acting.
