JAPANESE FILM FESTIVAL 2026 Legends, Heroines, and Kabuki: Japanese Film Festival 2026 Returns to Malaysia

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The Japanese Film Festival (JFF) returns to Kota Kinabalu for the year of 2026! The Kota Kinabalu tour of JFF runs from 15th October to 18th October at GSC Suria Sabah, thus marking the final leg of the film festival.

The 2026 edition of JFF will screen a total of 13 carefully curated Japanese films spanning diverse genres, including anime, kabuki-related films, suspense, comedy, heartfelt dramas alongside digital remasters.




Organised by the Japan Foundation (JF), JFF in Malaysia has grown into one of the most anticipated international film events. Over the last two decades, the festival has attracted more than 200,000 festival-goers, screened 215 films, presented over 128 directors and film representatives to Malaysian audiences, and hosted 11 fringe events across 11 venues in five states and regions. The festival continues to garner strong support from audiences, welcoming more than 10,000 attendees in 2025 alone.



JFF 2026 opened with TOKYO TAXI, the latest film by the contemporary Japanese master filmmaker, director YAMADA Yoji, as part of a special retrospective honoring the filmmaker’s remarkable legacy. YAMADA’s 91st feature gently explores memory, loss, and the fleeting connections between strangers. Finding beauty in the ordinary, YAMADA’s films consistently offer reflections on the joys, regret, and the human connection which shapes our lives.

Adding on, JFF2026 has a special YAMADA Yoji Retrospective, featuring TOKYO TAXI, A DISTANT CRY FROM SPRING, and Tora-san’s Many Splintered Love. JFF 2026 presents a number of other special programmes. Namely, a lineup of ‘Girl Power’ films, featuring female protagonists and their journeys of resilience, self-discovery, and determination. Titles include FUJIKO, PUREHEARTED, and Hula Girls - 4K Remastered -, which celebrates diverse experiences and perspectives of women through heartfelt and inspiring storytelling.


Complementing the film line-up is a digitally remastered classic from the legendary director, KUROSAWA Akira, offering audiences a chance to rediscover classic Japanese films in restored quality alongside a sci-fi indie movie, suspense action, and heartfelt dramas.

Beyond the screenings, the JFF Filmmaking Workshop was held to provide aspiring filmmakers to deepen their understanding of cinema, connect with industry professionals, and explore the creative process behind filmmaking.

The workshop, co-organised with Canon Malaysia and Multimedia University (MMU), brought together more than 25 film students from five Malaysian universities for a three-day programme from 31 July to 2 August 2026.

Mentored by acclaimed Malaysian filmmakers of the Malaysian film Imaginur, namely director Nik Amir Mustapha, cinematographer Idham Mad Din, and editor Johan Arif Mazlan, participants were challenged to produce a trailer for the Japanese Film Festival 2026. The completed works are able to be viewed on JFKL’s YouTube channel.

The workshop reflects JFKL's ongoing commitment to nurturing young filmmaking talent and strengthening connections within Malaysia's creative community.

Festival-goers will have the opportunity to join the JFF Stamp Rally and collect stamps throughout the festival to redeem exclusive goodies and prizes¹.

Tickets for JFF 2026 are affordably priced at RM 10.00 and are available via GSC channels. All films will be presented in Japanese with English subtitles. For a complete listing of film synopsis, showtimes, and additional information, please visit the JFF2026 Official Website and get your tickets on GSC platforms.

The press kit is available here whereas the film posters and stills will be provided upon request.

SCREENINGS

(open to public with ticket purchase)

Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
15 – 18 October 2026
GSC Suria Sabah

TICKETING

Tickets for JFF 2026 will be sold at RM 10.00. Tickets for the screenings can be purchased ONE (1) week before the first screening at each region via GSC Ticketing Kiosks, GSC e-payment at gsc.com.my or GSC Mobile App.

WEBSITE

For further details, refer to JFKL website: www.jfkl.org.my or the JFF2026 website: www.jfklevents.com/jff2026

¹ Subject to terms and conditions.

Location: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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