Juniper
The 3rd China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival officially opened on Friday at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, bringing together filmmakers, industry leaders, government representatives and film enthusiasts in a celebration of cinematic collaboration between Malaysia and China.
Now in its third edition, the festival aims to foster greater cultural understanding and industry cooperation through the screening of selected films from both countries. The China–Malaysia Film Culture Festival, in collaboration with GSC International Screens, showcases Chinese and Malaysian films at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, notable titles from China and local Chinese promoting cultural exchange through cinema.
The opening ceremony was attended by National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (FINAS) Chief Executive Officer Dato Azmir Saifuddin Bin Mutalib; China-Malaysia Film Culture Festival Organising Committee Chairman Aron Koh Kang Boon; and Pan Vui Shang, Head, Exhibition, Golden Screen Cinemas , who jointly officiated the festival’s launch.
Speaking at the event, Koh said the festival continues to embrace the principle of cultural exchange and mutual learning, curating films that balance artistic merit with audience appeal.
This year’s programme features seven films spanning a wide range of genres, including thriller, comedy, science-fiction animation, historical drama and fantasy action, reflecting the diversity and dynamism of contemporary filmmaking in Malaysia and China.
The festival opened with Kungfu Juniors, directed by acclaimed Hong Kong filmmaker Ko Chi Sum. Adapted from the stage production Foshan Kung Fu Juniors, the film stars veteran actors Sammo Hung, Michelle Yim, Chu Mimi and Peng Chiquan, alongside Malaysian actor Yuan Teng, who secured his role through an audition process.
Ahead of its theatrical release, Kungfu Juniors has attracted international attention through a series of festival accolades. The film won Best Film at the 2025 Toronto Chinese Film Festival and Maple Leaf Awards, while its theme song received Best Film Theme Song honours. Newcomer Ng Man Leung was named Best Newcomer, and Ko received the Best Cross Media Producer Award.
The film was also selected for the 62nd Asia-Pacific Film Festival, where it received the Asia Pacific Chinese Cultural Communication Award, and later won both Best Film and Best Director at the 13th Vancouver Chinese Film Festival.
On the Malaysian side, the festival lineup includes thriller Indera, family comedy Housekeeping? The Chinese selection features the animated blockbuster Boonie Bears: Guardian Code, the comedy hit Successor starring Shen Teng and Ma Li, historical drama Dead to Rights, and the fantasy action thriller A Writer’s Odyssey 2.
Organisers said the festival will continue to expand beyond film screenings by encouraging future China-Malaysia co-productions and introducing more exchange programmes involving young filmmakers and digital technologies.
The organisers also acknowledged the support of cultural partners Shiguang Xingyu and the Asia International Arts Festival, as well as sponsors and supporters including Iseigur and Dato Seri Dr.Tan Fong Fook, whose contributions helped make the event possible.
The 3rd Malaysia–China Film Cultural Festival runs across two weekends, from June 26–28 2026 and July 3–5 2026, at GSC Mid Valley Megamall in Kuala Lumpur. Tickets are priced at RM15 and are available through GSC’s website and mobile application.
As Malaysia and China continue to strengthen cultural ties, the festival offers audiences an opportunity to experience diverse stories from both nations while highlighting cinema’s enduring role as a bridge between cultures.
