Yusri Ng
KUALA LUMPUR, 17 November 2025 – BMW Group Malaysia has announced the 10 finalists for the BMW Shorties 2025, continuing the legacy of the nation’s longest-running and most influential short film competition. This year’s theme, “New Dimensions,” encourages creators to explore innovative storytelling techniques and venture beyond traditional boundaries. With this announcement, public voting for the People’s Choice Award has officially begun.
The initiative enters its 19th year, and once again the Grand Prize Winner will receive a RM50,000 production grant, reaffirming BMW Group Malaysia’s ongoing commitment to nurturing local creative talent. An esteemed panel of judges evaluated hundreds of submissions before finalising the top selections.
Creative Ambition Enters “New Dimensions”
According to Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, the new theme represents an exciting progression for Malaysian digital storytellers. She explained that while last year’s theme, PULSE, reignited creative passion, this year pushes participants to redefine narrative possibilities. Moreover, she highlighted how the competition continues to showcase the depth of Malaysia’s creative community.
Judge and renowned documentarian Zan Azlee shared similar sentiments. He noted that many submissions tackled complex themes with originality, demonstrating courage and playful experimentation. Meanwhile, industry veteran Fatimah Abu Bakar praised the finalists for their technical refinement and emotional maturity. She added that the works reflect a growing confidence among Malaysian filmmakers.
Festival Returns This December With Expanded Activities
The BMW Shorties Festival 2025 is set to take place on 6 December 2025 at APW Bangsar, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy finalist film screenings, live musical performances, a curated food bazaar, and various hands-on workshops conducted by partners and alumni. Additionally, the event will conclude with the highly anticipated announcement of the 18th Grand Prize Winner.
In the meantime, all ten finalist films are now available for public viewing on the official BMW Shorties website. Members of the public are encouraged to cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award before 6 December 2025 at 6:00 PM.
BMW Shorties 2025 Finalists
(Listed 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
Supporting Award Categories
Nominees span categories such as Best Sound Design, Best Cinematography, Best Story, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Director, Best Actress, Best Actor, and Best Student Shorties. Furthermore, this year’s list includes notable works like Rhapsody of a Small Town, Suara Hujan | Voices of Rain, Mosaic, 142 Hari, Pragma and more, reflecting the diverse talent emerging from Malaysia’s creative landscape.
