YB Dato' Seri Fahmi delivering his speech via a recorded video message at the official launch of the FCCI Film Festival.
A group photo at the launch of TAR UMT FCCI Film Festival 2026. Holding the Malaysian flag (from left to right) are Ms Dearna Kee June Chen, Dean of FCCI, Datuk P. Kamalanathan, Chairman of Practitioners Malaysia, Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee and Encik Mat Yusop Hassan, Senior Assistant Director, Perbadanan Kemajuan Filem Nasional Malaysia (FINAS).
Jia Ming (right), receiving his award from Mr Jacky Yeap, one of the judges.
The audience watching the opening film of the FCCI Film Festival.
Datuk P. Kamalanathan (third from right) and Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee (second from right) visiting one of the exhibition booths at the FCCI Film Festival.
From overlooked communities and fading cultural traditions to silent sacrifices and unspoken emotions, the stories often left untold took centre stage as TAR UMT launched its FCCI Film Festival 2026. More than a showcase of student films, the festival reflected the University's commitment to developing socially conscious storytellers equipped to contribute to Malaysia's growing creative economy.
Organised by the Faculty of Communication and Creative Industries (FCCI), the fifth edition of the annual festival is themed ‘The Unspoken – Where Silence Tells the Loudest Stories.’ Held on 11 and 12 August 2026 at the TAR UMT Arena, the festival brought together students, academics, industry professionals and international university partners in a celebration of storytelling that connects academic learning with professional practice. Beyond film screenings, the two-day programme featured workshops, forums, exhibitions, networking sessions and an awards ceremony, allowing students to showcase their storytelling abilities while gaining valuable insights from the creative industry. This year’s festival also saw participation from TAR UMT’s university partners from Indonesia and India.
In a recorded video message delivered in his absence at the official launch on 11 August 2026, Yang Berhormat Dato' Seri Fahmi Fadzil, Minister of Communications, described storytelling as a powerful force for shaping society. “Filmmaking is not only a craft; it is a form of civic responsibility,” he said. “As you become the directors, editors, screenwriters, cinematographers and documentarians of tomorrow, I ask you to carry this festival’s spirit with you – to look past the surface, verify before you publish, give a voice to those who are rarely heard, and use emerging technologies, including AI, responsibly and with integrity.”
He further added, “I commend TAR UMT and FCCI for consistently providing a platform where academic training meets real industry exposure, shaping graduates who are not only technically skilled but also guided by strong principles. These are exactly the communication professionals our creative industries, newsrooms and our nation need.”
Prof Dato’ Indera Ir Dr Lee Sze Wei, President of TAR UMT, said the festival has grown into one of the University's signature events. “Now in its fifth edition, the festival reflects TAR UMT's Beyond Education philosophy by providing students with authentic, industry-inspired opportunities to apply their creativity while preparing them for the realities of the creative industries,” he said.
He added that this year's theme challenges student filmmakers to look beneath the surface of everyday life and give voice to stories that are often overlooked. “This year’s theme, ‘The Unspoken,’ asks something more of our students than technical competence. It asks them to look closely at the world around them, to notice what others walk past, and to have the courage to give it form and voice. Such stories have the power to inspire audiences, challenge perspectives and contribute to positive change in society,” he said.
For Chong Ee Jack, a student of the Bachelor of Communication (Hons) in Broadcasting and the Scriptwriter, Director and Editor of the festival's opening film entitled ‘Goodman’, the experience was as rewarding as it was challenging. “I am grateful that the film festival gave me the opportunity to collaborate with people I never imagined working with. Directing the festival's opening film was both an honour and a challenge, and working with a team of around 30 members taught me the true meaning of teamwork, resilience and trust. The experience also deepened my appreciation of this year's theme, The Unspoken, as it reminded me that behind every film are countless unseen contributions, sacrifices and dedication that make the final production possible. I hope it will inspire audiences, encourage reflection and leave them with something meaningful long after the credits roll,” he said.
For Bachelor of Communication (Hons) in Media Studies student, Chen Jia Ming, who won the Best Documentary Film Director award for his documentary entitled ‘Between Deities and Humans,’ the theme of the festival offered an opportunity to explore a lesser-known aspect of Malaysian culture. “To me, the theme is about uncovering aspects of Malaysia that are often hidden or less talked about, whether relating to culture or taboo subjects. I saw this festival as the ideal platform to showcase my documentary on Tang-ki, or Chinese spirit mediums, a lesser-understood aspect of Chinese heritage that may even be viewed negatively by younger generations due to certain incidents. We wanted to look beyond those perceptions and share the real experiences and feelings of Tang-ki mediums, while helping younger generations understand and appreciate a cultural practice that has existed for more than 50 years.”
