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

EligibilityOpen to Malaysians aged 18+ and international filmmakers with a Malaysian citizen or permanent resident as producer.
LanguageFilms 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.
DurationEach film must have a maximum duration of 5 minutes or less, excluding end credits.
GenreSubmissions must fall within the horror genre which can be interpreted widely.
Judging CriteriaEmphasis will be placed on creativity, originality, storytelling and film-making prowess.
Entry LimitUnlimited submissions per person.
Submission Period19 May 2025 - 15 Nov 2025, 23:59
Judging Period17 Nov 2025 - 5 Dec 2025
Finale10 Dec 2025 (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

RM7,500 cash

RM5,000 cash

2 x RM1,500 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.

CRAIG CONWAY
ACTOR, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR

Hailing from South Shields, UK, Craig has over 25 years of experience in film, TV, and theatre. Known for cult classics Dog Soldiers and The Descent, he directed the 2024 horror-thriller Little Red and starred in The Current War with Benedict Cumberbatch. A Royal Shakespeare Company alum, he champions independent filmmaking and mentors emerging talent through workshops.

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.

CRAIG CONWAY
ACTOR, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR

Hailing from South Shields, UK, Craig has over 25 years of experience in film, TV, and theatre. Known for cult classics Dog Soldiers and The Descent, he directed the 2024 horror-thriller Little Red and starred in The Current War with Benedict Cumberbatch. A Royal Shakespeare Company alum, he champions independent filmmaking and mentors emerging talent through workshops.

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.

WATCH AT
YOUR OWN RISK

SUBMITTER INFORMATION

Film Information
(YouTube unlisted /Vimeo unlisted)
CAST & CREW LIST
Are you a student?*
Upload student ID here (JPEG)*

Have questions or want to get in touch? Please email: cut@ampersand-advisory.com

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Ampersand Advisory Sdn Bhd (201701004927) 39-2 & 39-3, The Boulevard Mid Valley City Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Have questions or want to get in touch? Please email:
cut@ampersand-advisory.com

Privacy Policy

Contact Us

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Ampersand Advisory Sdn Bhd (201701004927) 39-2 & 39-3, The Boulevard Mid Valley City Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Thank You

For Your Submission