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Ghazi Alqudcy

Grand Prize Winners

Ghazi Alqudcy is a visionary in the realm of filmmaking. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Filmmaking from film.factory under the mentorship of renowned Hungarian director Béla Tarr, Ghazi has cultivated a distinctive approach to storytelling. His portfolio boasts over 60 short films showcased at prestigious film festivals across Europe and Asia. In 2014, he produced the feature-length omnibus documentary "Lost in Bosnia," – a collective poem about the act of filmmaking at a critical, (film-)historical moment. Notably, his debut feature film, "Temporary Visa," received acclaim and was honoured with the Best Film award in the Discovery Section at the Asian Film Festival Barcelona. In 2021, Ghazi contributed a segment to the feature length omnibus "Letters from the Ends of the World”, which is one of the opening films for Sarajevo Film Festival. Ghazi’s talent extends beyond the screen, as he shares his expertise serving as Deputy Dean at the Faculty of Cinematic Arts, Multimedia University.

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Nadiah Hamzah

Grand Prize Winners

Nadiah Hamzah is a Malaysian filmmaker whose journey from advertising copywriter at McCann Erickson to acclaimed director has been marked by creativity and accolades. Born and raised in Penang, Malaysia, Nadiah's passion for storytelling led her to pursue an MFA in Film & TV at Tisch School of the Arts, NYU, where she trained under the mentorship of film icons such as Spike Lee. Her directorial debut with "Motif" garnered international attention, particularly praised by The Hollywood Reporter, establishing her as a rising talent in cinema. Nadiah's commitment to impactful storytelling extends beyond feature films; her anti-bullying campaign for Save The Children earned prestigious awards at Adfest, The One Show, and a Cannes Lion, underscoring her ability to blend cinematic excellence with social advocacy. With a keen eye for narrative and a dedication to meaningful filmmaking. Nadiah Hamzah is currently developing her sophomore feature film, “The Company You Keep” - a psychological horror family drama set in the quaint town of Kuala Pilah, Negeri Sembilan while continuing to inspire audiences worldwide with her cinematic vision and storytelling prowess.

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Jeany Amir

Grand Prize Winners

Jeany Amir, a graduate of the New York Film Academy, launched her career as a freelance filmmaker in Los Angeles, swiftly gaining renown for her visually striking commercials. In 2019, she made her directorial debut with the award-winning Malay-language family drama, “Bu, Kasih Suci”, achieving the prestigious Grandmaster Excellence Award. As a resident film director at Director's Think Tank in Kuala Lumpur and Think Tank Nusantara in Jakarta, Jeany has directed numerous commercials for prominent clients including Perodua, Hotlink, Hong Leong Bank, Sunlight, Marigold, Lazada, and L'Oréal. Recognized for her distinctive visual style and innovative concepts, Jeany's portfolio encompasses film, PSAs, and commercials. Her talent for crafting compelling, emotionally resonant visuals has garnered critical acclaim and afforded her collaborations with leading artists. Jeany's commitment to excellence and originality distinguishes her as a director who consistently creates narratives that deeply resonate with audiences, touching hearts with each production.

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Tunku Mona Riza

Grand Prize Winners

Tunku Mona Riza stands as a pioneering figure in Malaysian cinema, renowned for her poignant storytelling and unwavering commitment to societal narratives. Widely acclaimed for directing "Redha," a film inspired by true events depicting the challenges of raising an autistic child, she earned accolades including Best Director at the 2017 Malaysian Film Festival and a nomination for Best Foreign Language Film at the 89th Academy Awards. Her directorial venture - "Rain Town", marks a significant milestone as Malaysia's first Cantonese-language film helmed by a Malay female director, exploring familial dynamics amidst the backdrop of Taiping, Perak. Tunku Mona Riza's cinematic journey began at the New York Film Academy, where she honed her craft and ignited her passion for empowering stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Her dedication to advocating diversity and addressing social issues through film continues to inspire and elevate Malaysian cinema on the global stage.

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Saw Teong Hin

Grand Prize Winners

A luminary in the realms of film, television, and theater with a career spanning decades, Saw Teong Hin has garnered widespread acclaim as a writer, director, and producer, leaving an indelible mark on Malaysia's cultural landscape. His film "Puteri Gunung Ledang" (2004) was Malaysia's first Academy Awards submission and earned acclaim at the Venice International Film Festival. As founder of Real Films, he supported projects like "Lust: Caution" and produced notable local films such as "Hoore! Hoore!" and "You Mean The World To Me." In theater, he co-wrote and directed "Puteri Gunung Ledang – The Musical" and created immersive works for the George Town Festival. Saw Teong Hin's television credits include "Tangkal Besi" and "Inikah Cinta," and he served as creative director for the 29th SEA Games. His upcoming horror film "Laknat" (2025) continues to showcase his dedication to Malaysian storytelling and cultural enrichment.