In a week filled with excitement, celebrating the art of filmmaking and Malaysia’s creative culture, the BMW Shorties took centre stage as one of the main highlights. This prestigious and long-running short film competition, in partnership with the Malaysia International Film Festival (MIFFest), unveiled its newest Grand Prize Winner: ‘All Who Leave Go There’ by Ikram Haizammuri.
The 12-minute narrative of ‘All Who Leave Go There’ delves into the lives of Malaysians in rural communities residing in government-aided housing projects. Through captivating visuals, the film sheds light on their limited exposure to the bustling city life and the challenges they face while trying to adapt their perspectives and improve their living conditions. The protagonist, Ady, and his friends embody this struggle.
Ikram Haizammuri, the talented filmmaker behind ‘All Who Leave Go There,’ was rightfully awarded the coveted RM80, 000 Grand Prize as part of a production grant. The film impressed a panel of esteemed judges from the creative industry, including Sun-J Perumal, Ko-chin Chen, Tunku Mona Riza, Ghazi Alqudcy, and Jasmin Suraya Chin.
Elated with his well-deserved victory, Ikram expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the BMW Shorties competition. He acknowledged the transformative journey of ‘All Who Leave Go There’ and its recognition on this esteemed platform among exceptional fellow filmmakers. Ikram’s venture into independent filmmaking began during his time as a student at Multimedia University (MMU), where he honed his skills in post-production, particularly in Visual Effects, and gained a deeper understanding of the art form.
The judges unanimously praised ‘All Who Leave Go There’ for its subtle yet powerful exploration of its core message, excellent cinematography, and the compelling performances of its actors. Additionally, Ikram was honoured with the Best Director Award.
Tunku Mona Riza, a celebrated Malaysian director and first-time BMW Shorties judge, commended Ikram’s masterful direction in the film, which authentically portrayed the realities faced by Malaysia’s rural communities. Fellow judge Ghazy Alqudcy was left in awe of the exceptional creativity and love for filmmaking displayed by Malaysia’s young creatives, as exemplified by ‘All Who Leave Go There.’
The BMW Shorties, a dynamic and collaborative space for creative voices to thrive, holds true to its core belief of evolution. As it marks its 20th anniversary in Malaysia, the event reflects on breaking barriers and adapting to innovation, much like the Malaysian film industry.
Throughout the festivities leading up to the Awards Night, the BMW Shorties ran a week-long film festival in Kuala Lumpur in collaboration with MIFFest. This festival allowed film fans and the public to celebrate creativity through on-ground activities encompassing music, film, and digital content.
Screenings of the BMW Shorties Top 10 Finalists at GSC MyTown Shopping Centre kicked off the event, showcasing the best of this year’s short film submissions. The public also enjoyed an Open-Air Cinema & Marketplace at the Central Rooftop Garden at LaLaport BBCC, complete with curated short film collections, games, activities, and delicious treats.
The grand conclusion featured an exclusive preview of ‘RAHASIA,’ the newest BMW-funded film by Syahmi Norsan, last year’s BMW Shorties’ Grand Prize Winner. ‘RAHASIA’ delves into themes of identity, family, and heritage, inspired by the enchanting traditions of the ancient Mah Meri tribe.
For those who couldn’t attend the event, the Finalists’ short films are available on the official BMW Shorties’ YouTube page. For more information and updates on future BMW Shorties events, visit the official BMW Shorties website, Facebook page, and Instagram page. The BMW Shorties 2023 proved to be a resounding success, celebrating authentic storytelling and nurturing creative talent in Malaysia’s film industry. 
