Lloyd Lee Choi’s “Lucky Lu” claimed best film at the Malaysia Golden Global Awards, taking the top honor during the closing ceremony of the 9th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest). According to festival organizers, the ceremony highlighted an increasingly international competition with winners recognized from across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Global Talent Recognized Across Categories at MIFFest
Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa won best director for “Aisha Can’t Fly Away,” a multinational co-production spanning Egypt, France, Germany, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Sudan, as reported by festival officials. Meanwhile, the Chilean-Argentine-Italian drama “The Red Hangar” emerged as one of the evening’s biggest winners, securing best screenplay for Luis Emilio Guzmán and best cinematography for Diego Peguero.
“This movie starts with a group of friends,” Peguero said while accepting the cinematography prize, according to festival transcripts. “I’m very proud that we turned our passion into such a great film.”
Acting Honors Highlight Southeast Asian Cinema
Regional cinema maintained a strong presence during the awards ceremony, according to festival results. Sri Lankan drama “Riverstone” collected two major acting awards, with Mahendra Perera winning best actor and Priyantha Sirikumara taking best supporting actor. Taiwan also secured an acting honor as Audrey Lin won best supporting actress for “Girl.”
The best actress category resulted in a tie, shared by Ong Xuan Jing for Singapore’s “Ah Girl” and Lila Gueneau for “Silent Rebellion.” Additionally, Singapore’s “Ah Girl” received the New Hope Award, recognizing director Ang Geck Geck Priscilla.
Wu Jing and Lee Chang-dong Receive Career Honors
The closing ceremony honored Chinese actor, filmmaker, and producer Wu Jing with the Excellent Achievement Award, according to event organizers. Wu attended the festival for a special screening of “Blades of the Guardians: Wind Rises in the Desert,” directed by Yuen Woo-ping. Accepting the honor, Wu thanked his collaborators and family, reserving his biggest thanks for his wife, whom he credited for her unwavering support throughout his career.
Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong received the Lifetime Achievement Award. “I would like to accept this award not as a recognition, but as encouragement to keep making movies in the future,” Lee said on stage.
Did You Know?
The Audience Choice Award at the 9th MIFFest went to the Spanish-French production “Sirât,” directed by Oliver Laxe, reflecting the event’s broad European and Asian cinematic scope.
Complete Winners List of the 9th MIFFest
- Best Film: “Lucky Lu” (Dir. Lloyd Lee Choi)
- Best Director: Morad Mostafa, “Aisha Can’t Fly Away”
- Best Actress: Ong Xuan Jing, “Ah Girl” (tie); Lila Gueneau, “Silent Rebellion” (tie)
- Best Actor: Mahendra Perera, “Riverstone”
- Best Supporting Actress: Audrey Lin, “Girl”
- Best Supporting Actor: Priyantha Sirikumara, “Riverstone”
- Best Screenplay: Luis Emilio Guzmán, “The Red Hangar”
- Best Cinematography: Diego Peguero, “The Red Hangar”
- New Hope Award: “Ah Girl” (Dir. Ang Geck Geck Priscilla)
- Audience Choice Award: “Sirât” (Dir. Oliver Laxe)
- Excellent Achievement Award: Wu Jing
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Lee Chang-dong
Frequently Asked Questions
Which film won best film at the 9th MIFFest?
Lloyd Lee Choi’s “Lucky Lu” won the best film award at the Malaysia Golden Global Awards during the 9th MIFFest.
Who received the Lifetime Achievement Award?
Korean auteur Lee Chang-dong received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the festival.
Who won the best director award?
Egyptian filmmaker Morad Mostafa won best director for “Aisha Can’t Fly Away.”
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