KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 -- The eighth Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) officially opened last night at the Sunken Garden, MyTOWN Shopping Centre here, with a celebration of local cinema and cultural storytelling.

The evening, attended by filmmakers, jury members and celebrities, culminated in the screening of Ninavau - a feature film deeply rooted in Sabahan and Kadazan culture.

Festival ambassadors Siti Saleha, Daiyan Trisha, and Bront Palarae - who is returning for his eighth year - took the stage to welcome guests.

"First and foremost, it feels good to be back. What makes it special is we get to see [the festival] grow every year, strength by strength - and I think that's the most important thing," said Bront.

"It also ...