BMW Group Malaysia has officially launched the 19th edition of the BMW Shorties, the nation’s most prestigious short film competition, continuing its mission to empower local filmmakers and digital storytellers. This year’s theme, “New Dimensions”, challenges participants to step beyond traditional boundaries, embrace unconventional narratives, and craft stories that reimagine structure, perspective, and emotional depth.
According to Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, the BMW Shorties has evolved from a simple competition into a movement that mirrors the changing creative pulse of Malaysia.
“Building on last year’s theme, ‘PULSE’, which reignited passion and energy, ‘New Dimensions’ pushes creators to transcend convention and explore transformative storytelling,” said Sashi. “At BMW, we constantly redefine design, innovation, and sustainability through openness and choice. Similarly, we invite creators to embrace diverse pathways in their art because the future of storytelling, like the Future of Mobility, is transformative, not linear.”
Since its inception in 2006, the BMW Shorties has received over 1,300 submissions, awarded more than 130 supporting accolades, and produced 17 Grand Prize winners. Many have gone on to showcase their work at renowned international film festivals such as Cannes, Rotterdam, and Oberhausen, cementing the platform as a launchpad for Malaysian talent on the global stage.
This year’s panel features five visionary figures who have significantly shaped Malaysian cinema:
- Zan Azlee – Filmmaker and documentarian known for socially conscious storytelling.
- Dato’ Gerald Hans Isaac – Veteran actor, director, and Chairman of FINAS, offering decades of industry insight.
- Nadiah Hamzah – Acclaimed for her emotionally nuanced films and bold cinematic voice.
- Saw Teong Hin – Internationally recognized filmmaker behind Puteri Gunung Ledang and You Mean the World to Me.
- Dr. Vimala Perumal – A trailblazer in Malaysian Tamil cinema and advocate for authentic representation.
These judges share a unified hope: that Malaysian storytellers will take bold risks, provoke thought, and create narratives that reflect the nation’s diverse cultural identity while resonating globally.
The Grand Prize Winner will receive a RM50,000 production grant to bring their vision to life. Additional accolades will honor achievements in categories such as Best Director, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Actor, and the People’s Choice Award, among others.
Submissions open 1 September to 24 October 2025 (6:00 PM) via the official BMW Shorties website: www.bmwshorties.com.my.
For updates and inspiration, follow BMW Shorties on Facebook, Instagram, or explore past winners on its official YouTube channel.
