An initiative of Next New Wave, visitors can expect a weeklong series
of film screenings, forums, masterclasses, and other activities
associated with movie production. SeaShorts’ diversity is evident in S-
Express, a presentation of guest programmes specially curated to
showcase the many local filmmaking scenes of the region. Brunei,
Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines,
Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia are the ten countries in
the spotlight.
The Festival will also once again see directors vying for glory in two
competition categories. Venice Film Festival Golden Lion winner, Lav
Diaz of the Philippines, heads the jury for the SeaShorts Award, which
recognises Southeast Asian short films. Indonesian cinema stalwart
Garin Nugroho meanwhile presides over the judging of the Next New
Wave Award, given to the best Malaysian short film.
352 submissions were received this year with the announcement of
results to be made on 1st August. Participants are in the running for a
slew of prizes including Aputure lighting equipment, Zoom field
recorders, as well as Deity Microphones. The three best entries to the
Next New Wave Award will additionally earn their helmers places in
the Finas Film Incubator Programme.
The Festival will be bookended by two omnibus films. Curtain-raiser
Ten Years Thailand features four directors—Apichatpong
Weerasethakul, Aditya Assarat, Wisit Sasanatieng, and Chulayarnnon
Siriphol—who foreshadow what Thailand could be like in 10 years, offering their takes on that has seen authoritarian
restraint on creative freedom and political dissent since the military coup of 2014.
Closing film 15Malaysia comprises 15 productions themed around
taboo issues in the country, such as racism, paedophilia, and
corruption. With a star-studded cast of celebrities and politicians in
principal acting roles, the anthology was a massive success upon
online release in 2009 and heralded a rise in viral political filmmaking
that culminated with the electoral revolution of 2018. Filmmakers involved include Ho Yuhang, Yasmin Ahmad, Amir Muhammad, Linus
Chung, Liew Seng Tat, Desmond Ng, Kamal Sabran, Tan Chui Mui, Woo Ming Jin, James Lee, Benji & Bahir,
Johan John, Khairil Bahar, Nam Ron, and the Suleiman Brothers.
For attendees looking to participate rather than just spectate, they
can learn the tricks of the animation trade at a two-day workshop by Filipino auteur Rox Lee who made a name with popular comic strip Cesar Asar. Widely considered an elder statesman of the film industry in
his native Philippines, he will impart his signature DIY style seen
throughout his half-century oeuvre.
“SeaShorts represents an opportunity for people of different
backgrounds to unite in their love of cinema and short films,” said
Festival founder and director Tan Chui Mui.
“From individuals directly involved in the filmmaking process to enthusiasts and audiences, it allows them
to gather in enjoyment of never-before-seen releases, engage in discussion, and hopefully spark
collaboration.”
The event is made possible with the support of National Film Development Corporation Malaysia (Finas),
The Japan Foundation Asia Center, Purin Pictures, Aputure Imaging Industries, Deity Microphones, Zoom
Corporation, Epson Singapore, CK Music, and Sinema Media. More than RM10,000 has been collected
through a fundraising campaign to help filmmakers attend the Festival.
Full details of the 2019 programme will be unveiled in the coming weeks. Festival pass information is
available at seashorts2019.peatix.com. For more information, visit nextnewwave.com.my.