From KFFC to MAiFF: Montreal’s Asian Cinema Scene Expands Its Horizons
Montreal is witnessing a pivotal shift in its cultural landscape as the beloved Korean Film Festival Canada (KFFC) evolves into the Montreal Asian International Film Festival (MAiFF). This rebranding isn’t just a name change. it’s a strategic expansion, transforming a focused celebration of Korean cinema into a broad, international platform for Asian and Asian-Canadian media arts.
The 13th edition of the festival, running from May 8 through June 13, 2026, marks a milestone year for the organizers, Arts East-West, who are celebrating 30 years of supporting Asian-Canadian artists. By broadening its scope, the festival now aims to connect a wider array of Asian artistic voices while maintaining the Korean cinema roots that established its reputation.
A Theme of Tangibility and Connection
The 2026 festival operates under the evocative theme “Tangibility: Soil, Body, Stories.” This conceptual framework explores the sensory and physical connections between heritage and narrative, seeking to bridge the gap between the ancestral “soil” and the lived experience of the “body.”
To bring this vision to life, the festival has curated a diverse program of over 60 films. The selection spans a vast geographic and cultural range, featuring works from:
- South Korea and Canada
- China, Hong Kong, and Japan
- Iran and Vietnam
- Germany, Australia, and the United States
Opening Night and Featured Highlights
The official opening ceremony takes place on May 14 at Cinéma du Musée. The evening is designed as a multi-sensory experience, combining a Korean food reception with live performances and cinematic premieres. The event will be hosted by novelist Jinwoo Park and singer-songwriter Big Daddy Queen Power, with a musical performance by jazz pianist Anna Chowattanakul.
The opening slate features three standout works:
- “There Are No Words”: A documentary by Korean-Canadian director Min Sook Lee that delves into family history, loss, and trauma.
- “Saekdong/The Colour of Korea”: Directed by Han Ok-hee.
- “Red Star Alley”: Directed by Jenny Uzia Si.
Beyond the premieres, the festival pays homage to the architects of Asian cinema. A special screening of the documentary “Mr. Kim Goes to the Cinema” will spotlight Kim Dong-ho, the founder and former executive director of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). The film features appearances by global cinema icons including directors Bong Joon-ho and Park Chan-wook, and actors Lee Jung-jae and Jeon Do-yeon.
Preserving the Korean Legacy
While the festival has expanded, it hasn’t abandoned its origins. The KFFC category remains a core pillar of the event. Established in 2013 as Canada’s longest-running Korean film festival, this section continues to showcase Korean-language films, works related to Korean culture, and projects from the global Korean diaspora.
Festival Logistics at a Glance
The festival utilizes nine major cultural spaces across Montreal to ensure accessibility, and variety. Key venues include:
- Cinéma du Musée
- Cinéma Moderne
- Cinéma du Parc
- Goethe-Institut Montreal
- Dates: May 8 – June 13, 2026.
- Opening Ceremony: May 14, 5:00 PM at Cinéma du Musée.
- Scope: 60+ films from across Asia and the West.
- Legacy: Celebrates the 30th anniversary of Arts East-West.
Looking Ahead
The transition to MAiFF signals a maturing of the Asian film community in Montreal. By evolving from a national focus to an international platform, the festival is positioned to become a primary hub for Asian media arts in North America. As the boundary between “local” and “international” cinema continues to blur, MAiFF provides a critical space for stories that transcend borders.