The BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest running short film competition has selected its Top 10 Finalists from a talented pool of 67 aspiring Malaysian filmmakers. These Top 10 Finalists are now also in the running to win the People’s Choice Award, which will be open to public voting starting from the 3rd – 7th Dec.
Following the announcement of its return, the BMW Shorties was inspired to incorporate the BMW ConnectedDrive philosophy into the theme for 2014 – “Connections”. It was hoped that this year’s theme would push short film-makers and fans alike to reimagine the way in which human beings connect. The submissions were expected to demonstrate how we learn, share and understand the world around us. The theme seeks to challenge Malaysians to think about how human beings relate and give significance to both, living and non-living, objects around them.
The BMW Shorties panel of judges, which include renowned industry professionals Chiu Keng Guan, Tan Chui Mui, Bront Palarae, and the BMW Shorties veterans, Lina Tan and Nandita Solomon agreed amongst each other that this year’s submissions have revealed true contenders.
On top of the opportunity to win an RM 75,000 production grant as well as recognition for film-making talent in a line-up of supporting awards, nominees of the Best Screenplay Award will each qualify for the Red Films script development grant. This grant consist of cash and script consultancy from industry experts up to a final draft for their respective upcoming projects up.
(From L-R): Chiu Keng Guan, Nandita Solomon, Sashi Ambi, Lina Tan, Tan Chui Mui, & Bront Palarae.
The BMW Shorties 2014 Top 10 Finalists (in no particular order) are:
- “Rozita binti Roslan” by Taufiq Kamal bin Abd Rahman
- “Putus” by Muhammad Ezmeer bin Abd Rahman
- “Pejam Pelik” by Mohd Khairul Azri bin Md Noor
- “Nexus” by Martin Raj A/L Mogana Chantheran
- “Heartstring Quartet” by Lee Chee Hoo
- “A Gift” by Mallory Lee Pei Feng
- “Mama” by Chong Shun Yuan
- “Khatijah” by Chong Yew Fei
- “Diri” by Sharifah Aleysha
- “Adunan” by Kee Jit How
The BMW Shorties 2014 Top 10 Finalists short films and directors’ commentaries will be available for viewing and voting on the BMW Shorties website. Members of the public are invited to vote for their desired People’s Choice Award winner which opens for voting from 3rd – 7th Dec 2014.
For more updates, visit the BMW Shorties’ Facebook page.