Apr 21, 2008
BMW announces Top 10 Finalists for BMW Shorties 2008
Mar 31, 2008
BMW Shorties 2008 gets 62 submissions
Mar 07, 2008
BMW Shorties 2008 short film competition deadline nears
Mar 01, 2008
BMW Malaysia organises BMW Shorties 2008
- Judges Clinic
Feb 28, 2008
BMW Shorties 2007 Award winner premieres new film Teddy & I
Jan 22, 2008
BMW Malaysia launches BMWShorties 2008
BMW Malaysia launches BMWShorties 2008Competition offers bigger prize and international jury
BMW Malaysia today launched the BMW Shorties 2008, the company's second annual short film competition aimed at championing talents within the Malaysian cinematic arts community.
This year the grand prize has been significantly increased to RM75,000 in production assistance, enabling the winner to make a professional short film. The short film, in turn, will have the chance to be showcased at international film festivals through the BMW Group's global network.
Following the highly successful inaugural BMW Shorties in 2007, this year's competition offers an even stronger platform that will encourage greater appreciation of Malaysian independent cinema. The BMW Shorties 2008 will open new channels and opportunities that will further position the film medium as an integral part in enriching Malaysian culture.
The efforts of the first BMW Shorties are now coming into fruition with last year's grand prize winner, Abdullah Zahir, premiering his new movie entitled "Teddy and I" in February. The film received production funding from BMW Malaysia through the inaugural BMW Shorties.
Two special mention winners from last year were given the opportunity to go to Cannes for the Film Festival where they participated in several events with European Producers and Directors. They were also given the opportunity to screen their films at these events.
"The response to the inaugural BMW Shorties was far beyond our expectations. We received a lot of high quality films and more importantly created a high level of awareness for these films both locally and abroad", said Vijayaratnam Tharumartnam, Press and Corporate Affairs Manager, BMW Group Malaysia. "These films have been screened at International BMW events in Europe and other parts of the world which was one of our key objectives", he added.
This year's theme is "H2O," a subject that is expected to showcase diverse thoughts and interpretations from the contestants. The competition is open to aspiring Malaysian filmmakers of 18 years and above, as long as they have never won in any local or international film festival, competition or awards.
The short film entries will be judged on their originality, content and creativity in interpreting the theme. Film school students and first-time filmmakers are encouraged to send in their short film entries for consideration. Deadline for entries is on 21 March 2008.
BMW Group has supported the film industry for over 70 years, from student productions to film festivals. BMW Group sees itself as a promoter of young filmmakers, lending its support to productions that display a particular degree of excellence and working in close cooperation with students.
Apart from honouring the top entries, BMW Shorties 2008 also introduces new categories such as Best Acting and Best Script. As part of the BMW Shorties' efforts to champion Malaysian cinema in the international scene, BMW Malaysia has once again brought together a distinguished panel of judges with diversified portfolio and international credibility.
The panel of judges comprises renowned Filipino filmmaker Raymond Red, Cannes Film Festival 2000 Golden Palm winner for Best Short Film, Ida Nerina, award-winning actress, Tan Chui Mui, Malaysian indie cinema champion and last year's winner Abdullah Zahir.
For aspiring filmmakers who would like to advance their cinematic skills, BMW Malaysia is once again organising a BMW Shorties Judges Clinic on the 1st of March 2008, where they will be able to receive professional advice from industry experts. Limited seats are available on a first come, first served basis.
"What the first BMW Shorties did was go beyond the usual film competition. One of the achievements that we are most proud of is that it provided young Malaysians a platform that encouraged openness in discussing social issues. Varied societal views and situations were tackled, ultimately resulting not only in free expression, but also developing the ability to show critical thought," says Vijayaratnam.
All relevant info regarding the BMWShorties 2008, including application forms, voting processes and viewers' participation, can be found at http://www.bmwshorties.com.my
About BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd is a joint venture between Bayerische Motoren Werke (BMW) AG, the manufacturer of BMW vehicles based in Munich, Germany and Sime Darby Berhad. The establishment of this subsidiary in August 2003 reflects the BMW Group's confidence in the long-term future of Malaysia and its commitment to maintain and extend BMW's leading position in the premium market segment.
BMW Malaysia activities cover the wholesale of BMW cars, spare parts and accessories, as well as the overall planning of sales, marketing, after-sales, and other related activities in Malaysia. Its dealership network covers 11 showrooms and workshops in various cities in Malaysia.
Issued by:
BMW Malaysia Sdn Bhd
Vijayaratnam Tharumartnam, Corporate Affairs Manager, Malaysia
Telephone: (+603) 8887 3822, Fax: (+603) 8887 3801
E-mail: vijayaratnam.tharumartnam@bmw.com.my
For media queries, please contact:
Fleishman-Hillard Kuala Lumpur
Nico Marco / Serena Sit / Teoh Seet Heng
Telephone: (+603) 22832730, Fax: (+603) 2283 2750
E-mail: nico.marco@fleishman.com / serena.sit@fleishman.com / seet.teoh@fleishman.com
Media Website: www.press.bmwgroup.com
BMW Shorties Website: www.bmwshorties.com.my