Does your short horror film make the ‘CUT!'? Win up to RM40,000!

Free Malaysia Today

21-05-2025

Do you like making movies that give viewers the creeps? 'CUT!' may be the competition for you. (Ampersand Advisory pic)
PETALING JAYA : Is your idea of an entertaining film one that's filled with screams, thrills and chills? Are your favourite cinematic scenes the kind that have you squeezing your eyes shut in fear, giving you nightmares later?
If your answer is 'yes', then get ready for 'CUT!', Malaysia's premier short horror film competition that's offering participants the chance to win up to RM40,000 in prizes!
Launched by award-winning advertising agency Ampersand Advisory, 'CUT!' aims to be the country's biggest platform dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and showcasing emerging storytellers in horror.
The competition invites submissions of original completed short horror films rooted in cultural authenticity, craft, and creative risk.
'Globally horror is a leading genre, not just in terms of popularity but also profitability. And the genre is extremely popular among the 600 million residents of Southeast Asia, creating a great audience and, hence, business potential for producers and film financiers,' Ampersand Advisory CEO and founder Sandeep Joseph said at the launch of 'CUT!' on Monday.
'We're creating a space where horror filmmakers can be taken seriously and nurtured into globally competitive storytellers. We hope to unearth and shine a spotlight on new talent who can work with seasoned mentors to grow their careers.'
(From left) Ampersand Advisory CEO and founder Sandeep Joseph, Komet Studios chief explorer Ahmad Izham Omar, and actors Craig Conway, Chacko Vadaketh and Ako Mustapha at the launch of 'CUT!' on Monday. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
The competition will be judged by a panel of luminaries comprising Nini Yusof, CEO of Media Prima TV Networks and PrimeWorks; Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, head of Astro Shaw and vice-president of Nusantara, Astro; Ahmad Izham Omar, chief explorer of Komet Studios; and British actor, producer and director Craig Conway ('Dog Soldiers', 'The Descent').
'It's about sharing stories, nurturing talent, and ensuring the next wave of filmmakers has the support they need to break through,' said Conway, who is also the co-founder of independent film enterprise Turnover XXV.
Turnover XXV has partnered with Ampersand Advisory to launch a landmark initiative aimed at championing regional storytelling — the Independent Film Production Partnership (IPP).
Unveiled at Velvet Cinemas by GSC, Mont Kiara, the IPP is set to develop original films, foster co-production opportunities, and create a sustainable platform for Southeast Asian creatives to access international industry pathways. The first feature film under the IPP banner is already in development.
'CUT!' is open to all Malaysian citizens aged 18 and above. Films may be in any language spoken in Malaysia, including BM, Chinese, English, any Indian language, or any language from Sabah or Sarawak, as long as English subtitles are included. Do note that any film without English subtitles will be disqualified.
British actor, producer and director Craig Conway believes in the importance of nurturing film talent. (Muhammad Rabbani Jamian @ FMT Lifestyle)
Each submission must have a maximum duration of five minutes or less, excluding the end credits, and must be in the horror genre. Emphasis will be placed on creativity, originality, storytelling, and filmmaking prowess.
The Best Horror Film winner will take home RM10,000 and equipment, with RM7,500 and RM5,000 offered for second and third place, respectively. There will also be a RM1,500 prize for two finalists, and a RM1,000 prize for Best Student Film.
Additionally, RM1,000 will be awarded in each of the other categories, including Best Scare, Best Screenplay, Best Hair and Makeup, and Best Film Shot Entirely on Phone.
So, if you fancy yourself the next John Carpenter, Wes Craven or Mike Flanagan, and think you have what it takes to scare audiences in five minutes, get cracking on that horror short!
Entries may be submitted via Ampersand Advisory's website from now until 11.59pm on Sept 19. Judging takes place from Sept 22-Oct 24, with the finale scheduled for Oct 30 or 31.