Cinema Pairing: Japan x Malaysia is a special film screening programme presented by the Japan
Foundation in collaboration with GSC International Screens. Taking place from 15-17 May 2026
at GSC Mid Valley Megamall, the programme offers audiences a window into the cultures,
societies, and everyday lives of both countries, while fostering meaningful dialogue through
cinema.
This specially curated programme features two sets of double-bill screenings, allowing audiences
to enjoy two films with a single ticket, alongside sharing sessions by Malaysian filmmakers.
These sessions offer deeper insight into how local filmmakers draw inspiration from classic
Japanese cinema and reinterpret those influences through their own creative voices.
This initiative is supported by the Japan Foundation through its Professional Development and
Networking Programme for Film Programmers and Curators from ASEAN and Japan. The
programme aims to nurture the next generation of film programmers and curators, equipping
them to introduce Japanese cinema to audiences in their respective countries while encouraging
cross-cultural exchange.
The founder of Raintown Film Festival, Jacky Yeap, was selected to participate in the
programme last year, from which Cinema Pairing: Japan x Malaysia was developed. He shares:
“Through this programme, I wanted to explore cultural exchange between the two countries
through cinema in a deeper context. The programme is not centred on similarities in genre or
style, but rather on how Malaysian filmmakers draw inspiration from Japanese cinema and
reinterpret those influences in their own work, while retaining their unique cultural identities and
personal styles.”
“Tokyo Story” (4K Restoration) Returns to the Big Screen in Malaysia
The programme opens with “Small, Slow but Steady”, a Japanese film that celebrates the
understated beauty of everyday life and encourages audiences to notice its subtle rhythms. Its
gentle and reflective tone sets the stage for the double-bill screenings that follow.
The first pairing, “Tokyo Story” by Yasujiro Ozu and “The Story of Southern Islet” by Chong Keat
Aun, reflects on personal struggles and family relationships while exploring emotional and
generational tensions. Director Chong Keat Aun will be present at the screening to share insights
into his creative process, as well as how Ozu’s masterpiece has influenced his filmmaking
journey.
The second pairing, “Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald” by Koki Mitani and “Mencari Rahmat” by Al
Jafree Md Yusop, offers a more absurd and humorous take on how people navigate unexpected
situations, highlighting wit, community, and cultural nuances. Al Jafree Md Yusop will also attend
the screening to share his perspectives on storytelling and how Japanese cinema has shaped his
approach to filmmaking.