BMW Shorties 2025: Malaysian Storytellers Step Into “New Dimensions” With Bold, Boundary-Pushing Finalist Lineup

BMW Group Malaysia has officially revealed the Top 10 Finalists for the BMW Shorties 2025, continuing its legacy as the country’s most influential platform for emerging filmmakers and digital creators. Now in its 19th year, the competition once again proves its impact in nurturing Malaysia’s creative scene—this time under the compelling theme “New Dimensions.”

Building on last year’s theme of “PULSE”, which reignited creative energy across the nation, this year’s direction invites participants to expand their storytelling horizons. Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, shared that “New Dimensions” reflects an evolution in how local creators challenge narrative norms and embrace innovative expression. She emphasised that the spirit of experimentation mirrors BMW Group’s own commitment to reimagining possibilities through technology and choice.

Echoing this sentiment, judge and award-winning documentarian Zan Azlee described this year’s entries as refreshingly bold, with creators diving into complex social topics while balancing emotion, wit, and creativity. Fellow judge Fatimah Abu Bakar praised the maturity and technical finesse demonstrated by the finalists, calling their works daring, reflective, and unmistakably Malaysian.

The excitement culminates on 6 December 2025 at APW Bangsar, where the BMW Shorties Festival 2025 will transform the venue into a full-day celebration of storytelling. Running from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, the festival welcomes film lovers, fans, and industry members for:

Screenings of all 10 finalist short films
A curated bazaar offering food, drinks, and artisanal experiences
Live performances by local musicians
Interactive workshops hosted by partners and BMW Shorties alumni

The evening closes with the highly anticipated announcement of the 18th Grand Prize Winner, who will receive RM50,000 in production funding from BMW Group Malaysia.

In addition, viewers nationwide can now watch and vote for their favourite finalist for the People’s Choice Award, open until 6 December 2025, 6:00 PM.

The finalist projects—each unique in perspective, craft, and voice—are as follows (in no particular order):

Sayap – Sathishwararao Anantharao
当时只道是寻常 | I Thought It Was Ordinary – Orlando Loo
Flat No. 4 – Syalikh Nazrul
Perfect Family – Shamalan Nagayai & Wong Zhao Quan
Are You Open? – Shah Wan
tragedy of youth. – Abid Danish
HAKIKI RUMPUT EMAS – Alief Mat Zoher
如果下雨，我就______。| If Rains, I will… – Ho Yue Qin
Anak Omputeh – Darwish Syahmi
Sakarat: Pohon Yang Sunyi – Fauzan Hak

The competition also shines a spotlight on excellence in technical and performance categories. Nominees for Sound Design, Cinematography, Story, Production Design, Editing, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Student Shorties feature a diverse mix of rising and seasoned talent.

As the BMW Shorties enters its 19th year, its influence continues to expand, empowering young creators and strengthening Malaysia’s digital content ecosystem. The 2025 edition stands out not only for its ambitious theme but also for the cinematic depth and cultural resonance shown by its finalists.

The countdown to festival day begins—and with it, anticipation for which visionary storyteller will claim the Grand Prize and help shape the next chapter of Malaysian filmmaking.