Kuala Lumpur, 25th August 2025 – BMW Group Malaysia today unveils the 19th edition of the BMW Shorties, continuing the premium automaker’s legacy of empowering Malaysian creatives and digital storytellers with an invitation to explore “New Dimensions”. A theme that invites Malaysian storytellers to venture into unfamiliar territory: to explore untold perspectives, reimagine form and structure, and craft narratives that defy expectation.

Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, shared, “With each passing year, the BMW Shorties has transformed from a competition into a movement that reflects the ever-changing pulse of creativity in Malaysia. Building on the momentum of last year’s theme, ‘PULSE’, which reignited passion and energy across the creative landscape, ‘New Dimensions’ calls for a bold step forward. This year, we are challenging our storytellers to transcend convention — to reimagine structure and complexity in a way that unlocks new perspectives. At BMW, we are constantly redefining the possibilities of design, innovation, and sustainability through Technology Openness and the Power of Choice. In the same spirit, we invite creators to embrace the many pathways toward creative expression because the future of storytelling, much like the Future of Mobility, is not linear — it is transformative.”

Since its establishment in 2006, the BMW Shorties has served as a transformative platform for Malaysian creative talent. With over 1,300 submissions, more than 130 supporting awards, and 17 grand prize winners to date, the initiative has empowered and catapulted local voices to global stages, including screenings at renowned international festivals such as Cannes, Rotterdam, Oberhausen, New York, and more.

With this year’s run, the esteemed BMW Shorties judging panel will consist of five visionary and award-winning figures who have significantly shaped the Malaysian film industry through their bold storytelling and lasting contributions — Zan Azlee (The Life & Times of an Islamic Insurgency), a filmmaker, documentarian, and educator whose socially driven work offers a sharp, unflinching lens on contemporary issues; Dato’ Gerald Hans Isaac (Cuci, Lemak Kampung Santan), whose decades-spanning career in front of and behind the camera alongside his role as Chairman of the National Film Development Corporation (FINAS) brings a comprehensive industry perspective; Nadiah Hamzah (Motif), known for her emotionally layered films and distinctive cinematic voice; Saw Teong Hin (Puteri Gunung Ledang, You Mean The World To Me), whose deep command of visual storytelling has brought Malaysian narratives to international acclaim; and Ts. Dr. Vimala Perumal (Vedigundu Pasangge, Tamiletchumy), a pioneering voice in Malaysian Tamil cinema whose academic and creative work bridges cultural representation and narrative innovation.

Zan Azlee states, “In a world overflowing with content, the true value lies in stories that dare to spark real conversation and social reflection. I hope ‘New Dimensions’ challenges creators to go beyond surface-level narratives and engage with the social fabric of our communities. I look forward to seeing bold fearless voices emerge where these stories do not just entertain, but provoke thought and inspire change.”

Dato’ Gerald Hans Isaac shares, “As someone who has seen the evolution of Malaysian cinema firsthand, I have witnessed the depth of talent and the bold vision that exists within our local creative community. It is therefore exciting to see the BMW Shorties continue to challenge our storytellers to craft narratives that are daring, reflective, and deeply rooted in our cultural landscape. My hope is that this can become a call toward building an industry that is more resilient, relevant, and capable of shaping global conversations through uniquely Malaysian perspectives.”

“You open yourself up to magical possibilities when you embrace the unknown,” Saw Teong Hin reflects. “‘New Dimensions’ is exactly that leap into the unknown. I am honoured to return to the judge’s seat and see more filmmakers and digital content creators embrace this challenge and invite audiences into new immersive worlds.”

Nadiah Hamzah shares, “I am truly excited to see how our local storytellers respond to ‘New Dimensions’. I hope this year’s theme inspires them to trust that, when we dare to feel deeply, we begin to embrace instinct, vulnerability, and the courage to explore emotional terrains we have not yet charted. Creativity thrives when we step outside the familiar and lean into the unknown.”

“As a lecturer and filmmaker, I am deeply intrigued by the potential ‘New Dimensions’ holds for emerging talents. Transformative storytelling exists when the empowered are ready to explore their own unique perspectives. I look forward to this year’s BMW Shorties, and hope it presents a powerful opportunity to nurture authenticity and cultivate a new wave of storytellers that reflects the complexity of Malaysian identities.” Ts. Dr. Vimala Perumal shares.

This year, the Grand Prize Winner will receive a production grant of RM 50,000 to produce their BMW Shorties funded project. Recognition for other creative achievements will also be awarded across a broad range of supporting categories, including Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Production Design, Best Editing, Best Sound Design, the People’s Choice Award, and the Best Student Award.

Submissions are open from 1st September until 24th October 2025 at 6:00PM via the BMW Shorties website at www.bmwshorties.com.my. Follow the official BMW Shorties Facebook page and Instagram for updates, or watch winning submissions from the years before at the BMW Shorties official YouTube channel.