Malaysia’s premier short horror film competition is open for entries!
Summon the pontianaks. Release the toyols.
Free the zombies.
CUT! is the next big Malaysian short horror film competition, set to unearth the darkest and most imaginative minds in local horror.
The competition promises to be a breeding ground for horror storytellers, offering exposure, recognition and the chance to have their films seen by a wide audience. CUT! is the place where nightmares become reality.
Submission Mechanics
| Eligibility | Open to Malaysians aged 18+ and international filmmakers with a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident as producer. |
| Language | Films may be in any language spoken in Malaysia: Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese, English, any Indian language, or any language from Sabah or Sarawak — as long as English subtitles are included. Any film without English subtitles will be disqualified. |
| Duration | Each film must have a maximum duration of 5 minutes or less, excluding end credits. |
| Genre | Submissions must fall within the horror genre which can be interpreted widely. |
| Judging Criteria | Emphasis will be placed on creativity, originality, storytelling and film-making prowess. |
| Entry Limit | Unlimited submissions per person. |
| Submission Period | 19 May 2025 - 30 Nov 2025, 23:59 |
| Judging Period | 1 Dec 2025 - 15 Dec 2025 |
| Finale | 16 Jan 2026 (TBC) |
*Note: Submissions can be made by individuals, companies or production houses.
*Exclusions: Films that are defamatory, racist, pornographic, offend any religious sensibility and/or violate the film censorship codes of Malaysia in any way will be disqualified, with no explanations or reasons given.
Awards & Prizes
RM10,000 cash + equipment in kind
RM3,000 cash
RM1,000 cash
RM1,000 cash each
Best Director
Best Cinematography
Best Editing
Best Actor in a Leading Role
Best Actress in a Leading Role
Best Screenplay
Best Scare
Best Actor in a Supporting Role
Best Actress in a Supporting Role
Best Hair & Make-Up
Best Costume
Best Use of Music
Best Film Shot Entirely on Phone
Judges
RAJA JASTINA HEAD OF ASTRO SHAW
She spearheads Malaysia’s top film studio, responsible for the highest-grossing local movies of all time, Sheriff and Polis Evo 3, Malaysia's No. 1 films for 2023 and 2024. She champions Astro Originals, elevating local storytelling with hits like Project: High Council, and oversees Astro’s digital strategy, pay-per-view revenue growth, talent management, and movie distribution, expanding IP into regional and international markets.
Nini Yusof Chief Executive Officer of Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios
She has produced some of the biggest box office hits in Malaysia. Nini oversees channel business, content sales, films and Tonton - Media Prima’s OTT platform. She has led many co-productions with international broadcasters and partners such as South Korea’s SBS, EBS, and NBC Universal’s E! News. Before joining Media Prima, Nini has worked with NBC Universal, Fox Networks Group and STAR TV, and her work has spanned 9 markets in SE Asia. She is a walking encyclopedia on local content, especially K-pop and K-drama.
ANIF SHAH EOS SPECIALIST AT CANON MARKETING MALAYSIA
Anif lives for moving images. As Canon Marketing Malaysia's EOS Specialist, he champions Canon;s cinema and video lineup, supporting creators and production teams in turning ideas into powerful motion stories. Before Canon, he fuelled the digital buzz for Malaysia's favourite shows-Gegar Vaganza, Big Stage and Hero Remaja-bringing fans closer to the magic behind the screen. His journey spans Bloomberg TV, Media Prima and Astro, across news, current affairs and pop culture.
Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar Chief Explorer of Komet
Currently Chief Explorer of Komet, a content company focusing on new progressive creative from Southeast Asia. He was formerly Executive Director of Content & Creative of Disney+ for Southeast Asia. He was earlier the CEO of Primeworks Studios, and also CEO of Media Prima TV Networks.
ANIF SHAH EOS SPECIALIST AT CANON MARKETING MALAYSIA
Anif lives for moving images. As Canon Marketing Malaysia's EOS Specialist, he champions Canon;s cinema and video lineup, supporting creators and production teams in turning ideas into powerful motion stories. Before Canon, he fuelled the digital buzz for Malaysia's favourite shows-Gegar Vaganza, Big Stage and Hero Remaja-bringing fans closer to the magic behind the screen. His journey spans Bloomberg TV, Media Prima and Astro, across news, current affairs and pop culture.
Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar Chief Explorer of Komet
Currently Chief Explorer of Komet, a content company focusing on new progressive creative from Southeast Asia. He was formerly Executive Director of Content & Creative of Disney+ for Southeast Asia. He was earlier the CEO of Primeworks Studios, and also CEO of Media Prima TV Networks.
SANDEEP JOSEPH CEO and Co-Founder of Ampersand Advisory
Entrepreneur who sold his first digital company to Ogilvy at 26, winner of 300+ advertising awards, columnist, Campaign 50overfifty honoree. Has written and directed over 30 corporate films and ads, as well as award-winning short films, feature-length documentary Breaking Through and two full-length feature films, Safe Landing and The Ultimate Elevator Pitch. Horror films really scare him.
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