“Every You Every Me” Triumphs at the 7th MIFFest

Christine Hakim and Hirokazu Kore-eda Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Awards

The 7th Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) concluded with a spectacular Golden Global Awards ceremony, celebrating exceptional talents in cinema from around the world. The prestigious event, held on July 27, 2024, showcased a diverse range of films and performances, highlighting the festival’s commitment to fostering creativity and cultural exchange.

Best Film: “Every You Every Me”

The festival’s highest honour, Best Film, was awarded to “Every You Every Me,” directed by Michael Fetter Nathansky. This emotionally resonant film also garnered awards for Aenne Schwarz as Best Actress and Michael Fetter Nathansky for Best Screenplay, underscoring its critical and artistic acclaim.

Jury Statement on “Every You Every Me”

“Every You Every Me” boldly confronts the real-life challenges faced by the working class, particularly the struggles associated with monetary deficits. The film skillfully transforms these harsh realities into cinematic excellence through its exploration of multiple personality syndrome. It takes a courageous approach in portraying these complex issues, turning a lived experience into a compelling narrative that resonates with audiences.

Best Director Honors: Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli

Alireza Ghasemi and Raha Amirfazli were recognized with the Best Director award for their work on “In the Land of Brothers.” The film was commended for its fearless storytelling of a globally relevant issue, showcasing intricate familial relationships amidst socio-political turmoil.

Acting Honours

KangRen Wu received the Best Actor award for his powerful portrayal in “Abang Adik,” a film that also saw Jack Tan winning Best Supporting Actor for his nuanced performance. You Junfen’s outstanding role in “The Great QQPhuket” earned her the Best Supporting Actress accolade, further highlighting the calibre of performances celebrated at this year’s festival.

Cinematography and Emerging Talents

Tojo Xavier was honoured with the Best Cinematography award for his visually captivating work in “Rapture.” The New Hope Award, presented to emerging talents, was awarded to Betania and Marcelo Botta, recognizing their innovative contributions to filmmaking.

Lifetime Achievement Awards: Christine Hakim and Hirokazu Kore-eda

The ceremony also paid tribute to two iconic figures in cinema, Christine Hakim and Hirokazu Kore-eda, who received Lifetime Achievement Awards. Ibu Christine, revered as the “grande dame of Indonesian cinema,” has had a prolific career spanning over 50 years, marked by numerous accolades and international recognition. On stage, she delivered a heartfelt and sentimental speech, reflecting on her journey over the past five decades. She expressed deep gratitude for the support and opportunities that have shaped her career, and spoke about the evolving landscape of cinema and its role in cultural storytelling.

Kore-eda, a distinguished Japanese filmmaker known for his profound exploration of family and social themes, has left an indelible mark on global cinema with works like the Palme d’Or-winning “Shoplifters.” His acceptance speech resonated with the audience, as he discussed the universal power of cinema to connect people across different cultures and backgrounds.

Jury and Festival Highlights

The jury, led by Suhasini Maniratnam and including esteemed members Zhang Xianmin, Felix Chong, Kong Rithdee, and Zul Ariffin, praised the diverse range of films and the exceptional storytelling exhibited by the participants.

For more information, visit the MIFFest website at www.miffest.com.my. Stay updated by following their social media on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok.