KUALA LUMPUR: The 10 finalists for the BMW Shorties 2025 have been announced, and they will compete for the grand prize of RM50,000 in production funding from BMW Group Malaysia.
The finalists were selected by a panel of industry experts, for the most prestigious and longest-running arts and culture initiative by BMW Group Malaysia.
BMW Group Malaysia director of corporate communications and sustainability Sashi Ambihaipahan said, “Following last year's theme of 'PULSE', which symbolised reigniting our creative community with renewed passion, this year's 'New Dimensions' represents an exciting evolution in how our local creators approach narrative craft, challenging them to venture beyond the familiar and create work that defies expectation."
"The depth of talent we continue to see year after year reaffirms our belief in the enduring creative spirit within Malaysia's digital content landscape. At the BMW Group, we constantly seek to redefine what's possible through Technology Openness and the Power of Choice, and it is a delight to see this same transformative spirit in our storytellers this year," he added.
Award-winning documentarian and BMW Shorties 2025 judge Zan Azlee said, “Judging this year's submissions has been an incredibly rewarding experience. What struck me most was how many creators truly embraced the challenge of 'New Dimensions', engaging with complex social issues in fresh, unexpected ways."
"The finalists for this year represent stories that dare to feel, and yet can also be cheeky and fun, and that's what makes them so compelling," added Zan.
Fellow judge and industry veteran Fatimah Abu Bakar added, “Having witnessed the evolution of local cinema over the decades, I am deeply impressed by the calibre of creativity submitted this year. This year’s 10 finalists have demonstrated not only technical excellence but also a maturity in their storytelling that is daring, reflective, and authentically Malaysian.”
Marking the 19th edition of the initiative, the BMW Shorties Festival will take place on Dec 6, 2025 at APW Bangsar, from 10am to 10pm.
This full-day festival experience invites BMW Shorties fans, film enthusiasts and Malaysia's creative community to join in on a celebration of storytelling and innovation.
Festival-goers can experience screenings of the 10 finalists' projects, explore a curated bazaar featuring delicious food and drink options, witness exciting local music performances, and participate in hands-on partner and alumni workshops designed to inspire and educate budding creative talent.
Later that evening, the BMW Shorties will officially reveal its 18th grand prize winner who will be awarded the RM50,000 production grant.
The exceptional stories by the BMW Shorties 2025’s 10 Finalists are now available for public viewing and voting at the BMW Shorties’ website HERE.
Members of the public are invited to vote for their favoured People’s Choice Award winner from now until Dec 6, 2025 at 6pm.
The BMW Shorties 2025 Finalists (in no particular order) are:
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 BMW Shorties 2025 Supporting Award nominees (in no particular order) are:
Best Sound Design
Rhapsody of a Small Town - Replay Music Studio
The Dog's Dream - Pasca Bunyi
Sayap - Teo Wey Yinn
tragedy of youth. - Cheah Yi Le
粽 | Chang - Yap Ming Shawn
Best Cinematography
HAKIKI RUMPUT EMAS - Anas Jazni
Sayap - Vishnu Attiappan
Suara Hujan | Voices of Rain - Danial LG Geoffrey
Perfect Family - Aaron Chow
Flat No. 4 - Bah Wei Jun
Best Story
Flat No. 4 - Syalikh Nazrul
如果下雨，我就__。| If Rains, I will… - Ho Yue Qin
HAKIKI RUMPUT EMAS - Alief Mat Zoher
Sayap - Sathishwararao Anantharao
Perfect Family - Wong Zhao Quan
Best Production Design
Mosaic - Kavinan Letchumanan
HAKIKI RUMPUT EMAS - Fakhrullah Zainul
Flat No. 4 - Kishen Rajs
Perfect Family - Apple Pong
Kedai Runcit Jiwa - Khor Chin Joe
Best Editing
If Time Allowed | 如果时间允许 - Chew Yik Yong
Perfect Family - Shamalan Nagayai
Flat No. 4 - Pete Wong, Leann K.
Duality - Qistina Alma
HAKIKI RUMPUT EMAS - Alief Mat Zoher
Best Director
Anak Omputeh - Darwish Syahmi
Perfect Family - Shamalan Nagayai & Wong Zhao Quan
Flat No. 4 - Syalikh Nazrul
HAKIKI RUMPUT EMAS - Alief Mat Zoher
Sayap - Sathishwararao Anantharao
Best Actress
Cora - Arissa Azlan
Perfect Family - Siew Thung
tragedy of youth. - Hana Roanne
Flat No. 4 - Kimberly Chuah
If Time Allowed | 如果时间允许 - Teoh Shu Kheng
Best Actor
Perfect Family - Dexter Zhen
Anak Omputeh - Karl Amry
142 Hari - Ammar Abd Razak
Flat No. 4 - Arfie Shah
当时只道是寻常 | I Thought It Was Ordinary - Tang Liang
Best Student Shorties
当时只道是寻常 | I Thought It Was Ordinary - Orlando Loo
Pragma - Meqsut
Anak Omputeh - Darwish Syahmi
Sorok Dalam Sarung Bantal - Azib Aflah
粽 | Chang - Clarissa Chan
