BMW Shorties 19th edition: RM50K grant as grand prize

KUALA LUMPUR: BMW Group Malaysia has unveiled the 19th edition of the BMW Shorties, with an invitation to explore “New Dimensions”.

BMW Shorties continues the premium automaker’s legacy of empowering Malaysian creatives and digital storytellers.

This year, the grand prize winner will receive a production grant of RM50,000 to produce their BMW Shorties funded project.

Recognition for other creative achievements will also be awarded across a broad range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, the People’s Choice Award, and the Best Student Award.

Submissions are open from Sept 1 until Oct 24, 2025 at 6pm via the BMW Shorties website at www.bmwshorties.com.my.

BMW Group Malaysia director of corporate communications and sustainability Sashi Ambihaipahan said, “With each passing year, the BMW Shorties has transformed from a competition into a movement that reflects the ever-changing pulse of creativity in Malaysia."

"Building on the momentum of last year’s theme, ‘PULSE’, which reignited passion and energy across the creative landscape, ‘New Dimensions’ calls for a bold step forward. This year, we are challenging our storytellers to transcend convention — to reimagine structure and complexity in a way that unlocks new perspectives."

"At BMW, we are constantly redefining the possibilities of design, innovation, and sustainability through Technology Openness and the Power of Choice. In the same spirit, we invite creators to embrace the many pathways toward creative expression because the future of storytelling, much like the Future of Mobility, is not linear — it is transformative,” added Sashi.

Since its establishment in 2006, the BMW Shorties has served as a transformative platform for Malaysian creative talent.

With over 1,300 submissions, more than 130 supporting awards, and 17 grand prize winners to date, the initiative has empowered and catapulted local voices to global stages, including screenings at renowned international festivals such as Cannes, Rotterdam, Oberhausen, New York, and more.

With this year’s run, the esteemed BMW Shorties judging panel will consist of five award-winning figures — Zan Azlee (The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency), a filmmaker, documentarian, and educator; Datuk Gerald Hans Isaac (Cuci, Lemak Kampung Santan), who is chairman of the National Film Development Corp (FINAS); Nadiah Hamzah (Motif), known for her emotionally layered films and distinctive cinematic voice; Saw Teong Hin (Puteri Gunung Ledang, You Mean The World To Me), whose deep command of visual storytelling has brought Malaysian narratives to international acclaim; and Dr Vimala Perumal (Vedigundu Pasangge, Tamiletchumy), a pioneering voice in Malaysian Tamil cinema.

Zan states, “In a world overflowing with content, the true value lies in stories that dare to spark real conversation and social reflection. I hope ‘New Dimensions’ challenges creators to go beyond surface-level narratives and engage with the social fabric of our communities."

Gerald shares, “As someone who has seen the evolution of Malaysian cinema firsthand, I have witnessed the depth of talent and the bold vision that exists within our local creative community."

"It is therefore exciting to see the BMW Shorties continue to challenge our storytellers to craft narratives that are daring, reflective, and deeply rooted in our cultural landscape. My hope is that this can become a call toward building an industry that is more resilient, relevant, and capable of shaping global conversations through uniquely Malaysian perspectives.”

“You open yourself up to magical possibilities when you embrace the unknown,” Saw reflects. “‘New Dimensions’ is exactly that leap into the unknown. I am honoured to return to the judge’s seat and see more filmmakers and digital content creators embrace this challenge and invite audiences into new immersive worlds.”

Nadiah shares, “I am truly excited to see how our local storytellers respond to ‘New Dimensions’. I hope this year’s theme inspires them to trust that, when we dare to feel deeply, we begin to embrace instinct, vulnerability, and the courage to explore emotional terrains we have not yet charted."

“As a lecturer and filmmaker, I am deeply intrigued by the potential ‘New Dimensions’ holds for emerging talents. Transformative storytelling exists when the empowered are ready to explore their own unique perspectives,” Vimala shares.