“New Dad” Jack Tan Named MIFFest Ambassador for the First Time—Took a Six-Month Break to Care for Daughter, Still Keeps Family Close While Working

(Kuala Lumpur, April 3) The 9th edition of the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest) will take place from July 18 to 25. Newly minted father Chun Chia Yew, also known as Ah Zhe, has been invited as a festival ambassador for the first time. He revealed that he took a six-month break to care for his newborn daughter and now returns to work hoping to inspire more people to return to cinemas and to showcase Malaysian films to a global audience.

He jokingly admitted that although he has resumed work, “his heart is still at home,” constantly thinking about his daughter. This year’s ambassadors also include Zizan Razak as a first-time ambassador, Daiyan Trisha returning for her second year, and Bront Palarae continuing his long-standing role for the seventh year.

Chun, who won Best Supporting Actor at the 7th MIFFest Golden Global Awards for Abang Adik, will participate this year as a supporter and is expected to attend various festival events, including presenting awards.

Festival founder and president Joanne Goh announced this year’s theme, “Resonance,” highlighting the lasting emotional impact films leave on audiences—allowing stories to transcend borders and generations.

After welcoming a child with his wife Emily Chan, Chun shared that he dedicated six months fully to family life and will resume filming in the second half of the year, including projects such as Terbang, Black Tide, and a new film by director Mabel Cheung.

Speaking about fatherhood, he laughed about his lack of sleep: “My makeup artist spent a long time covering my dark circles.” He added that becoming a parent has deepened his appreciation for the challenges and sacrifices of raising a child.

Looking ahead, Chun admitted it would be hard to be away from his daughter, even saying he felt tempted to check home surveillance footage during the event. Reflecting on his past, he shared that he used to be distant from family during work periods, but now hopes to bring them along whenever possible: “It can be like a small family trip.”

Beyond programming, MIFFest continues expanding globally. The “ASEAN On Screen” section returns and partners with the Asia World Film Festival, offering selected films wider international exposure. The festival also collaborates with the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival to launch the Kampong Film Lab, nurturing emerging filmmakers and exploring AI applications in cinema.

In addition, MIFFest teams up with ROSKINO and Russia’s Ministry of Culture to present “Russian Film Week,” while the immersive exhibition Algorithmic Organisms 2.0 will be held at GMBB from July 4 to 19. The festival will conclude with the Golden Global Awards ceremony on July 25.