11th November 2019
Winners to be announced on Saturday, 23rd November. The BMW Shorties will be at REXKL from Saturday, 16th November as part of Urbanscapes 2019.
Kuala Lumpur, 11th November 2019 – The BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest-running short film competition today announced 10 Finalists for its competition in 2019. The finalists are also in the running to win BMW Shorties 2019 People’s Choice Award, which is now open for public voting at www.bmwshorties.com.my/pca
Sashi Ambi, Head of Corporate Communications of BMW Group Malaysia said, “Much like in the previous years, judging the Shorties this year was no easy task. After all, the panel of judges were deliberating on art and creativity which were tremendous in this years’ selection. I believe that the panel have made an interesting selection which really contributes to the body of work of not only the BMW Shorties program, but for Malaysian creative arts in general.”
Indrani Kopal, filmmaker, academician and BMW Shorties judge said, “Being able to weigh in on the many wonderfully unexpected submissions this year, it is exciting to witness such a wide range of daring and interesting topics presented so well by our emerging local creators. I am proud to be a part of a process that does not just select the prettiest picture but take a myriad of important elements into consideration.”
Saw Teong Hin, director and BMW Shorties judge said, “Our nominees for BMW Shorties have presented such original and refreshing voices to the local scene this year, and I believe these two aspects are much needed in our current landscape. I am confident our nominees will go far in the industry, now that they have conquered the BMW Shorties.”
Nadira Ilana, director and BMW Shorties judge said, “Looking at the films submitted this year, I believe the competition has come to where it is today because of the diversity and inclusivity it practices. I am glad to see so many East Malaysian films this year and the growing number just shows that the BMW Shorties has provided more than just an opportunity for budding talent but a safe space for budding East Malaysian talents to present their voice.”
The BMW Shorties will announce its 13th Grand Prize Winner, who will be awarded RM80,000 in production grant, on Saturday, 23rd November 2019 at REXKL. Recognition for filmmaking talent will also be awarded in an extensive range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design and the People’s Choice Award, along with this year’s new category for Best Student Award.
Short films by BMW Shorties 2019’s Top 10 Finalists are now available for public viewing and voting on the BMW Shorties’ website HERE. Members of the public are invited to vote for their favoured People’s Choice Award winner from now to 23rd November 2019 at 12:00NN.
The BMW Shorties will also be at REXKL as part of Urbanscapes 2019 from 16th to 24th November 2019. The week-long event will be featuring the works of many notable Southeast Asian directors across the region including past BMW Shorties winners – Zahir Omar’s Fly by Night and Shanjhey Kumar’s Jagat. The event will also feature five exciting workshops driven by local film industry leaders, such as Adrian Teh (PASKAL: The Movie) and Indrani Kopal (Incarcerated Rhythm), both of whom are judges for BMW Shorties 2019.
The BMW Shorties 2019 Finalists (in no particular order) are:
The BMW Shorties 2019 Supporting Award nominees (in no particular order) are:
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Screenplay
Best Production Design
Best Sound Design
Best Editing
Best Actor
Best Actress
Best Student
For further information, visit the official BMW Shorties website at www.bmwshorties.com.my or the official BMW Shorties Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bmwshorties and Instagram page at www.instagram.com/bmwshorties. For more information on Urbanscapes 2019, visit www.urbanscapes.com.my. Register for the Tayangan BMW Shorties expert-led workshops at www.bmwshorties.com.my/workshops, limited seats available.