The BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest-running initiative for creative digital content creation by BMW Group Malaysia, recently premiered its latest BMW-funded project, Sometimes Feels Like Summer. This highly-anticipated film by 2023 Grand Prize Winner, Ikram Haizammuri, brings a deeply personal and evocative story to life.
Sometimes Feels Like Summer (Adakala Terik Musim Tengkujuh) unfolds a poignant coming-of-age narrative, following a young girl’s journey of self-discovery amid the challenges of a rural setting. Set against the backdrop of a developing countryside, the film captures the beauty and hardships of the landscape, while delicately balancing traditional values with the uncertainties of modern adolescence.
As the protagonist stands at the threshold of adulthood, she is drawn into a world that is both foreign and fascinating, navigating the complexities of identity and presenting a nuanced portrayal of youth on the fringes of society.
Director Ikram Haizammuri, born in Kuantan, expressed his gratitude to the BMW Shorties for the opportunity to bring his unique vision to the screen, sharing a story that resonates with those on the margins of society, in a world that often feels at odds with itself.
“From the start, I knew this film would be a deeply personal project, inspired by the universal journey of self-discovery,” Ikram shared. “As with much of my previous work, including All Who Leave Go There, this film is a tribute to the search for self-understanding and the stark realities faced by youth in rural settings. I am incredibly grateful to the BMW Shorties for providing a platform to bring this story to life. Their support has enabled me to share a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable, and I am honored to contribute to the rich tapestry of voices that the BMW Shorties continues to champion.”
Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, praised the film, saying, “Sometimes Feels Like Summer captures a slice of Malaysian life with a beautifully crafted narrative that explores the innocence of youth and the complexities of growing up in a world that continually pushes us forward. It reflects the values we celebrate at BMW Group Malaysia—uplifting diverse voices and providing a platform for these stories to be told.”
He added, “Every year, our BMW Shorties grand prize winners continue to impress us with their creativity and commitment to meaningful storytelling. Ikram Haizammuri’s work is a testament to the impact of nurturing local talent in shaping the future of Malaysia’s creative scene. We are proud to support him and other creatives who dare to explore the uncharted narratives of our society.” 
The BMW Shorties will return in 2024 with the theme PULSE, encouraging local content creators to explore their passions and find the driving force behind their creativity. Submissions for the BMW Shorties 2024 are open until September 30th at bmwshorties.com.my. For more information and updates, visit the official BMW Shorties Facebook page and Instagram page.
