Malaysia Short Film

[Midas Souza]

Aboveall, the thing I really want to express my admiration towards is the production side of things. I believe the team has produce a great short film that has standards, one that is way above than the typical students film I mentioned earlier. I was film student myself, and know well the context of such productions. The casting, for instance, is brilliant. In addition to Mawar and Hannan, we also have Aishah Andri (who performed as Sabrina) and Nur Shahidah Abdullah (Nazatul) who really convinced.

I think this is an amazing film that touches on a serious topic in a light and relatable way. You will feel various feelings, sensing the ups and down in a light enough way to make you feel nostalgic. At the same time, you will also be aware of the issues the film tries to put forward. It is a film for the young and the old, one film that can be embraced by everyone, and a fun little flick that deserves to go viral.

Themed "Harmony in Diversity," the Canon Short Film Contest 2023 invites participants to embark on a narrative journey in appreciation of the rich tapestry of cultures that surrounds us. The contest casts a spotlight on captivating short films that showcase the exceptional experiences that Malaysia has to offer such as culture, racial diversity and travel destinations; while serving as a compelling medium that highlights the flair for storytelling held by our local filmmakers.

Dato' Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, also expressed his hope for the initiative, "There is beauty in every aspect of our country. From its man-made wonders to its natural biodiversity, paired with a unique blend of culture and heritage, Malaysia is a vibrant haven for those who love to express themselves through a camera lens. Through this contest, Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to have our aspiring filmmakers capture the land that we call home in their own creative ways."

The panel of judges for the contest are comprised of distinguished industry experts, including Raja Mukhriz, an accomplished director with numerous accolades for cinematography; Indra Che Muda Redzuan, a highly regarded Director of Photography with multiple honours; and Chew Han Tah, a veteran in TV programming and storytelling. The judges will assess submissions, seeking videos that inspire, provoke emotions and demonstrate exceptional technical skills.

Canon has partnered with Nanlite, SanDisk, Sennheiser and Zhiyun to offer an array of attractive prizes to the winners, including videography equipment up for grabs worth more than RM200,000 in total. One lucky grand prize winner will have a chance to walk away with RM 50,000 in prize money. The Canon Short Film Contest 2023 is open to all Malaysian residents aged 18 and above, with entries accepted from 1 September 2023 to 15 October 2023. The contest welcomes entries of short videos between three to ten minutes long, filmed on any brand of cameras or smartphones. There are three categories for entry - Camera, University & Colleges (for university and college students) and Smartphone. Participants can submit their short films through Canon's official website where the Terms and Conditions for the contest can be found.

Raja Mukhriz is a well-known director and skilled Director of Photography with over 22 years of experience in the film industry. He holds a Diploma in Film Studies in Cinematography from the prestigious Malaysian Film Academy, where he honed his craft and developed a keen eye for capturing captivating visuals. His dedication to academic excellence is evident through his outstanding academic journey, having obtained a Bachelor's Degree with 1st class honors in Creative Industries Management from the esteemed Northern Universities of Malaysia (UUM). Currently, he is furthering his academic pursuits by pursuing a PhD in Creative Industries Management at the same esteemed institution, solidifying his commitment to advancing both his practical skills and theoretical understanding in the dynamic world of creative industries.

His remarkable cinematography talents have earned him three Best Cinematographer prizes at the prestigious Malaysian Film Festival, as well as nine other honours from various local film festivals. Notable works such as "Evolusi KL Drift" (2008) and "Penanggal" (2011) demonstrate his excellent eye for visuals and unique techniques, firmly establishing him as a master of his trade.

Raja Mukhriz's talents extend beyond cinematography to directing, where he has demonstrated extraordinary range and ingenuity across numerous genres, including horror, psychological thrillers, action, and drama. His films, notably "Tujuh" (2013), "Ophilia" (2014), and "Rumah Cikgu Salina" (2019), have gained critical praise and significant accolades, including Best Newcomer Director and Best Director at the Malaysian Film Festival and Anugerah Skrin, respectively. Raja Mukhriz's commitment to storytelling and exceptional visual sense have positioned him as a powerful presence in Malaysia's film industry, creating a lasting impression on audiences both locally and globally. Furthermore, his dedication to teaching and training aspiring filmmakers has aided in the growth and development of the next generation of filmmakers.

Indra Che Muda Redzuan is a highly talented and accomplished individual hailing from Malaysia. He has devoted his life to the enthralling worlds of cinematography and photography, making an unforgettable imprint on the entertainment business. Throughout his distinguished career, Indra has received countless accolades and awards for his great services to the film business. At prestigious events such as the Film Festival Malaysia (FFM) and the Oscar PPFM, he has been nominated and awarded for Best Cinematography in a variety of film categories. His commitment to the profession is further demonstrated by his participation as a juror and advisor for several filmmaking projects and contests, impacting the future of Malaysia's entertainment scene.

His masterful touch has graced iconic works such as "Cicakman", "Jangan Pandang Belakang", "Qaisy dan Laila" and "Buli" - films that have truly encapsulated the attention of producers and film directors alike. These cinematic gems stand as testament to his transformative influence, each frame a canvas painted with his unique blend of creative brilliance and technical finesse.

With a wealth of knowledge and a constant pursuit of excellence, Indra continues to inspire and boost Malaysia's creative industry. His aesthetic perspective and technical expertise have earned him the respect and admiration of peers and aspiring cinematographers alike. As he progresses, his seamless blend of passion and ability continues to produce cinematic masterpieces that captivate viewers all over the world.

In addition to his artistic endeavors, Chew has made important contributions to the growth of television businesses in numerous nations. He has contributed his experience to the establishment of production and technical departments, as well as design studios, making a lasting impression on the media landscape. His participation in international projects has facilitated cultural exchanges and collaboration throughout the worldwide entertainment community, in addition to strengthening his personal career. Chew's influence as a filmmaker extends far beyond the screen, making him a respected industry figure and a source of inspiration for budding filmmakers all around the world.

About the festival:

The SeaShorts Film Festival is an annual celebration of Southeast Asian short film, comprising screenings, forums, workshops, exhibitions, and other creative endeavors from guests across the region. Founded by award-winning filmmaker Tan Chui Mui in 2017, it has grown into a permanent fixture on the calendars of cinema professionals and enthusiasts alike.

About the festival:

Mini Film Festival is the longest-running short film festival in Malaysia annually held by the Cinematography Programme, Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. This ever-flourishing film festival is now stepping into its 20th year with the support of many passionate individuals.

The competition aims to provide a platform for emerging filmmakers and digital content creators to express their creativity, and the grand prize winner of the BMW Shorties will once again be awarded a production grant of RM 80,000 to produce a BMW Shorties-funded short film.

On July 2, the police questioned FFN filmmaker Anna Har and cartoonist Amin Landak about the film. The police also raided the FFN office as well as Landak's home. They are being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation, Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code for statements that could cause public alarm and distress, and Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities.

Today, one of our founders was investigated by the police for doing what all of us would have done- shed light on injustice. We're a youth-led collective fighting for what's right. This is a heartfelt message we want to convey to all of you.

The case has attracted international attention. A joint statement from The Centre for Independent Journalism and their partners said the police's actions reflect the worsening suppression of free speech in Malaysia:

Retaliatory investigations against human rights defenders, artists and journalists for raising attention to violations of basic human rights show the dire need to protect freedom of expression and ensure police officers in Malaysia are held accountable for any instances of misconduct.

The heavy-handed response of the police to a short film on police brutality with interrogations and raids underscores the exact problem that the short film tries to address; instances of unlawful acts by police conducted with impunity.

Our organisations are concerned about the raids on their office and home which we believe are aimed to intimidate them and to create a chilling effect for those who would like to speak up and expose abuses by the authorities.

3a8082e126