Taiping: The second edition of the Raintown Film Festival will present four feature films shot in Taiping, each highlighting the beauty of the town’s landscapes, history, and cultural narratives. Festival founder Jacky Yeap stated that the deeper vision behind the event is that Taiping has much more to offer, including folklore, history, as well as arts and cultural events.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the second edition is the result of the strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors. The West Coast Expressway (WCE) is the main strategic partner, reinforcing shared values in connecting cultures and conveying regional narratives. WCE chief executive officer Lyndon Alfred Felix emphasized that Taiping is a town rich with stories, culture, and spirit of creativity.

Among the feature films that will be shown are “The Gathering,” produced by Jin Ong and starring Jack Tan, which captures the beauty of Taiping town; “The Game,” directed by Felix Tan and filmed entirely in Bukit Larut; and the classic movie “Rock,” directed by the late Mamat Khalid, which will be screened as a tribute on its 20th anniversary.

The Raintown Film Festival will be held from Sept 12 to 14 at Paragon Cinema, Taiping Mall, and entry is free for the public. Supporting the festival is a way for stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of the communities along the expressway. “On the West Coast Expressway, our role is not just about building roads; it’s about strengthening ties and preserving the identity of the places we serve,” Felix said.

The festival will also present 10 of the best short films selected from 103 entries for the 2025 Raintown Short Film Competition. Themed ‘Rain’, these films encompass various genres, such as experimental and artificial intelligence (AI), as well as featuring a new wave of local filmmaking talent. Seven awards will be presented during the festival’s closing ceremony, including Best Short Film, the Jury’s Award, Best Director, Best Script, and Best Cinematography.