Conversations That Shape the Future of Cinema
The LIFF Film Forum is the intellectual and cultural core of the Langkawi International Film Festival, where filmmakers, scholars, producers, critics and students come together to explore the evolving landscape of world cinema. Through a series of thought-provoking discussions, keynote sessions, and roundtables, the Film Forum becomes a global meeting point for ideas - a space where creativity meets critical thinking, and where the future of film is imagined, debated, and defined.
Purpose
- To create an open platform for dialogue, research and policy discussion around the art, business and ethics of cinema.
- To encourage cross-cultural understanding through film and creative exchange.
- To connect Malaysia and ASEAN’s film community with global thought leaders, fostering sustainable creative ecosystems.
Program Highlights
Panel Discussions
Curated panels featuring acclaimed directors, producers, critics and academics addressing contemporary issues in film - from AI storytelling to women’s voices in cinema, from green filmmaking to Asian film identity.
Director’s Dialogue Series
Intimate, one-on-one sessions where master filmmakers share their journey, creative process and philosophies with aspiring creators and film students.
Industry Roundtables
Closed-door meetings between film institutions, government agencies and production companies to explore policy support, co-productions and regional collaborations.
Academic Exchange & Research Talks
Sessions hosted in collaboration with film schools and universities to present studies on film education, cultural diplomacy and creative economy trends.
Audience Q&A & Interactive Debates
Open-floor sessions that invite festival audiences to engage directly with global voices - blending art appreciation with public discourse.
Themes May Include
- Cinema & Sustainability: The Green Film Revolution
- The Power of Women in Global Storytelling
- Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Filmmaking
- Cultural Diplomacy Through Film
- Independent Voices in Asia
- Cinema, Identity & Resistance
Who Should Join
- Filmmakers, screenwriters and producers
- University film students and researchers
- Critics, journalists and media professionals
- Government, policy and industry representatives
Impact
The LIFF Film Forum aspires to leave more than conversations - it builds collaborations, research partnerships and new visions for the next era of cinema. By merging academia, art and industry, the forum positions Langkawi as a global destination for cinematic dialogue and innovation.
“Because every film begins with a conversation - and some conversations can change the world.”
Email address:
