Raintown Film Festival is an annual event held in Taiping, Perak — a city recognised as one of the “Best Cities to Live In” in 2019. The festival aims to create a platform for both local residents and visitors from other states and countries to experience and appreciate Taiping’s rich history, culture and arts through film. At the same time, it invites audiences to explore the natural charm and heritage of Taiping, fondly known as the Raintown.
In 2025, we are excited to introduce the Raintown Short Film Competition. Filmmakers of all backgrounds — professionals, students and amateurs alike — are invited to submit a short film of under 10 minutes based on the theme “Rain”. The Best Short Film will receive a cash prize of RM8,000, along with sound equipment sponsored by CK Music and Sennheiser, with more prizes to be announced.
The top 10 shortlisted films will be screened during the 2nd Raintown Film Festival, scheduled to take place in mid-September 2025 in Taiping, Perak. Selected filmmakers will be invited to attend the three-day festival, where their films will be showcased on the big screen in a cinema setting. Create a short film — and make Taiping your destination this year.
A self-confessed cinephile, Kamil Othman was educated at the Malay College Kuala Kangsar and Anglia Ruskin University, UK. After starting his career at Shell Malaysia, he joined MDEC in 1999, where as Vice President for Creative Industries Strategy and Policy, he played a key role in elevating Malaysian animation globally and initiating major international co-productions.
In 2012, he executive produced the 3D animated series SALADIN, a Malaysia–Qatar co-production nominated for the International Emmy Awards in 2013. He later served as Director General of FINAS (2014), where he was instrumental in major initiatives including the Australia–Malaysia Film Co-Production Treaty, Content Malaysia Pitching Centre, MOMI and the Cinematheque.
He has since held advisory and board roles across the creative industries, including with the Ministry of Communications, MyIPO, ACBS and AFCNET, alongside consultancy work with local media companies. From 2023 to February 2025, he served as Chairman of FINAS. He is currently Advisor on Creative Industries to the Ministry of Communications Malaysia.
Suet Fun is a full-time writer and author of 21 books of non-fiction and poetry, including Gilding the Lily, One Day Three Autumns, Our Land Within, Why Can’t We Stay Here Forever and Legacy. Several of her works are used as prescribed texts at Malaysian universities and have been published and distributed internationally, with selections appearing in regional academic journals.
She began her career as an advertising copywriter before moving into public relations, working with international firms and leading communications and fundraising for WWF Malaysia. She has also served as a communications specialist for UNDP projects and worked abroad in the US and Brunei. Actively involved in heritage and creative mentorship, she is currently President of the Taiping Heritage Society and Vice-President of the Old Girls’ Association of SMK (P) Treacher Methodist, Taiping. She holds an honours degree in English Literature and a Diploma in TESL from University of Malaya.
Amen Khalid is a Malaysian film editor, director and creative producer who continues the legacy of his late father, the iconic filmmaker Mamat Khalid. He began his career as a film editor, working on several of his father’s celebrated films, including Rock Oo! (2013), Rock Bro! (2016) and Hantu Kak Limah (2018), which have become staples of Malaysian popular cinema.
He later moved into directing with Sis Ngesot and Pochong, before completing his father’s final telemovie, Kampong Pisang Berbuah Dua Kali (2022), following Mamat Khalid’s passing. Amen’s work continues to explore Malaysia’s distinctive blend of horror, satire and village folklore, while bringing a fresh, contemporary perspective. His most recent directorial project is 19 Puasa: Playboys of Plastik Hitam (2024), part of the popular 19 Puasa Ramadan anthology series, known for its playful yet socially conscious storytelling.
Jacky Yeap (b. 1992) graduated in Filmmaking from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. He founded WuBen Film Magazine in 2018, a Mandarin-language publication on Malaysian cinema. His first feature, Sometime, Sometime (2020), was nominated for the Asian New Talent Awards at the Shanghai International Film Festival. He also launched Second Run Cine:ma (2021) and Homework, which won the CNC Cash Award at the Taipei Golden Horse Project Market. In 2024, he founded the Raintown Film Festival and Black Curtain, an art platform tackling social issues through humor. His experimental film See See (2024) received the Krishen Jit Fund and is slated for 2025 release.
Gogularaajan Rajendran (Gogu) is a Kuala Lumpur-based filmmaker dedicated to telling Malaysian Indian stories, blending horror and humour through provocative, poetic approaches. As a descendant of South Indian indentured labourers brought by the British to Malaya, he feels compelled to voice the untold stories of his ancestors. Gogu co-founded the Padai Art Movement with other Tamil filmmakers to help shape a unique identity for Malaysian Tamil cinema. In 2024, he co-curated Seashorts Film Festival’s first program focused on minority Malaysian Indian narratives. Awarded the Krishen Jit Fund in 2021, he has documented Malaysian Indian plantation workers’ lives in his upcoming work Araro Ariraro. His work, ‘Coolies’ Chorus’ is exhibited in Ilham Gallery, KL as part of the Plantation Plot Exhibition. Currently, Gogu is developing his debut feature, Kaali, Depth of Darkness. His co-directed short, Walay Balay, premiered at the 2024 Cannes Directors’ Fortnight.
Yazeid Suhaimi is a Malaysian filmmaker based in Kuala Lumpur, originally from Penang and raised in Kedah. He has worked across film, fashion commercials, photography, and music videos. His short film The Sisters (2022) was selected for international festivals including Bucheon, London, and Landshut. Yazeid is currently studying in Vancouver.
Leysha Al-Yahya is a Malaysian film and theatre maker, and a founding member of The Tulis Group, supporting original local plays. She is also part of ReformARTsi, an independent arts cohort addressing issues in Malaysia’s arts industry. Leysha has contributed to numerous film and theatre projects and has represented her work internationally in South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, and Singapore.
Ho Chee Jen is a multi-disciplinary artist and researcher. She recently completed her Master’s degree in Visual Studies from the University of Malaya. As a visual practitioner specializing in photography and video works, Jen’s work investigates the construction and deconstruction of social structures, often focusing on the intricate relationship between urban environments and human behavior. She also serves as an educator in art and media studies. Recently, she held a solo exhibition titled Life is Elsewhere.
Who can join this competition?
Everyone! Whether you’re a film student, amateur, professional filmmaker, young child, or retiree, you’re welcome to participate.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Submission is completely free, save your budget for making the film.
Can I submit more than one short film?
Definitely!
Can I submit an old short film?
Definitely!
Can I submit more than one short film?
Yes, as long as it meets the requirements, such as nationality and theme. However, we encourage creating a new film to showcase your current creativity.
What types of films are accepted?
We accept all types and genres: documentary, narrative, animation, AI short films, experimental films, music videos, PSAs, photo-films, and more. As long as it incorporates the “Rain” theme, you’re free to be creative!
Does the shooting location have to be in Taiping?
No. You may shoot your film anywhere, as long as it reflects our theme, “Rain”.
I am Malaysian but currently living overseas. Can I still participate?
Yes! You may shoot your film anywhere. Non-Malaysians residing in Malaysia are also welcome to join.
Does the short film have to show actual rain?
Not necessarily. Interpret “Rain” creatively – stories about droughts, metaphorical representations, or symbolic elements are all acceptable.
Will you help obtain permits for shooting?
No, you are responsible for securing any necessary permits yourself.
Can I submit the form first and update the film link later?
We recommend preparing all information before submission. You can fill out the form offline first, then submit it in one go once all details are ready.
Can I use copyrighted music in my film?
No. For narrative short films, use royalty-free music or obtain permission for copyrighted tracks. For music videos, all copyright matters must be cleared beforehand. We are not responsible for any copyright issues.
What happens after submission?
We will select the Top 10 films to be screened at the 2nd Raintown Film Festival in Taiping in mid-September 2025. Winners will be announced during the closing ceremony.
Are There Awards and Cash Prizes?
Yes! The Best Short Film will win RM8,000 in cash plus sound equipment sponsored by CK Music and Sennheiser. The Best Sound Design award will also receive sound equipment. A full list of awards and updates on additional prizes will be provided.
Will the deadline be extended?
No, to be fair to all participants, the deadline of 15th June 2025, 11:59 PM is final. 3 months is considered enough time to complete a short film, from preparation to post-production.
Any other questions?
You can email us at raintownfilmfestival@gmail.com or send a private message on Facebook or Instagram at Raintown Film Festival, or leave your question in the comment box on our social media posts.
We are excited to announce that we have received a total of 103 short film submissions from across Malaysia for this year’s Raintown Short Film Competition 2025!
The submitted films span a wide range of genres, including Live Action, Animation, Photo-Film, Documentary, Experimental, Music Video, Screenlife, and even AI-Generated Films!
We truly appreciate all your hard work and creative efforts in crafting stories that reflect our theme “Rain”.
All submitted films are now being reviewed by our 5-member selection committee, who will shortlist the Top 10 short films. These films will be screened in cinemas during the 2nd Raintown Film Festival, happening in mid-September 2025, and the filmmakers will be invited to attend and participate in a sharing session.
A final jury will then evaluate the Top 10 films, which will compete in 7 award categories, including: Best Short Film, Best Director, Best Script, Best Cinematography, Best Sound Design, Best Sound, and the Special Mention Award!
We look forward to showcasing your creativity at the festival. Best wishes to all participants! And also, thank you to all our supporters, sponsors, and partners, without your support, this wouldn’t have happened!
Top 10 Finalist
Thulir (Sprout)
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Tamil
Duration: 7 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Puchong
Synopsis:
Making your kite is the new Pendidikan Seni Visual task. As Santosh’s favourite subject is it, he excites to make and show it to his friends. He wants to fly the kite but rain becomes a hurdle for it. However, the rain itself gifted him an unexpected surprise which helps him for his science subject.
Producer: Hemanidharan Krishnankutty
Main Actor: K. Neeveshkumar
Kuhanraj Rajasingam is a content creator who does comedy skit. He has 35k followers in TikTok and kinda well known among Tamil people. Currently working in astro as Graphic Operator. This is his debut short film for directional.
Where The Fish Looked Up
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Chinese
Duration: 6 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Melaka
Synopsis:
Two boys are on their way home with a fish they just bought. But something unexpected happens, the plastic bag with the fish in it ripped on the way. They don’t know what to do, only that they have to try to make it through.
Producer: Too Zhi Yan
Main Actor: Tong Yu Xiang, Yeo Qian Yu
Yeo Jun Yu, born in 2003 and raised in Melaka. 22, figuring life out — the future, the past, and everything in between. Loves Tarantino, though you probably wouldn’t guess that from my works. Currently suffering in the film industry, with a small smile of course.
Hadiah Dari Hujan (Gift of Rain)
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Malay
Duration: 8 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Tanjung Malim, Perak
Synopsis:
This story follows Syahir and Remi in a small town by Sungai Dara, stuck in rain and after, their sun filled journey to the river.
Producer: Irfan Aljuffry
Main Actor: Syahir, Remi
Aei Raa is a collaboration effort by Ashley Erianah & Irfan Aljuffry, exploring and experimenting mediums of storytelling.
Madeleine 潮湿衣服
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Chinese
Duration: 3 Minutes
Place of Shooting: (AI Film)
Synopsis:
On a rainy day, she recalled her mother in her hometown through the smell of clothes…
Producer: Goh Zi Wei
Main Actor: Li XinLan & Neoh Fang Yong
Goh Zi Wei, born in 2001 and from Kuala Kangsar, Perak, Malaysia, is a short film director currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Filmmaking at the Communication University of China (CUC) in Beijing. His work has been selected as a semi-finalist at the Tianjin International Academic Film Festival, and he has been nominated at Mini FilmFest East Malaysia, Shanghai Short Film Week, and KLIFF.
Chili, Garlic and Onion 辣椒 蒜头 洋葱
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Hokkien
Duration: 9 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Penang
Synopsis:
Threading chilies, garlic, and onions, a young man journeys through towns and villages, searching for the elusive serenity between memory and belief – a place where he might connect with the vast sky.
Producer: Kent Tan, Sim Yuan Wei
Main Actor: Sim Yuan Wei
Kent Tan is a Malaysian writer and director whose storytelling journey spans theatre, film, and radio. Driven by a desire to connect with audiences through simple, heartfelt narratives, his works include Kopi-O and Good Boy. With each project, Kent embraces the opportunity to learn and grow, striving to share stories that resonate with the quiet emotions and everyday moments of life.
I talk to the Rain 我向雨倾述
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Chinese
Duration: 8 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Valley Of Hope, Sungai Buloh, Selangor
Synopsis:
The rain never stops. She’s trapped in a damp, rotting house—how long, she no longer knows. Rain fills her mouth, echoes in her dreams, and becomes her only voice. When she finds a page drawn with strange flowers, she begins to believe: the rain speaks. It speaks of death. Of rebirth. Through storm and mud, she runs – chased by silence, hunger, and memory. Rain hides her footsteps. Rain carries her whispers. This is a whisper in the rain – a captive girl’s secret dialogue with the world, with nature, and with herself.
Producer: Teoh Aik Ho
Main Actor: Jessy Goh Chia Wen
Vincent Chong Chun Yang, 21 years old this year and from Melaka, is someone who has watched many films, read countless novels, and carries a dream of becoming a director.
Kuala Lain
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Malay & English
Duration: 9 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Kuala Selangor
Synopsis:
A filmmaker returns to his hometown, Kuala Selangor, to make a short film about an alien who wants to borrow humans’ ability to remember the past, being nostalgic. The filmmaker, who has not returned to his hometown for a long time, is trapped in nostalgia after seeing how his hometown is changing.
Producer: Adam Taufiq Suharto
Main Actor: Adam Taufiq Suharto, Zac Chia & Champ Tung
Adam Taufiq Suharto is a writer and amateur short-filmmaker. Since 2016, he worked as a freelance scriptwriter, short-filmmaker, turn photographer. After graduating from UiTM, he worked as a full-time content creator and scriptwriter at a Malaysian local private TV station untill the end of 2020. Currently, he is focusing on writing fiction and essay, also doing street photography while pursuing his studies.
Racun Di Nadi
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Malay
Duration: 7 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Serendah, Selangor
Synopsis:
Amir and Izzat, two brothers bound by trauma and silence, embark on a grim journey to confront their past and the abusive father who shaped their lives.
Producer: Kiasatina Athirah
Main Actor: Amir Gapar & Izzat Haikal
Najib Ya’acob is a Malaysian filmmaker who fell in love with cinema at 15 after acting in a short film. Mostly self-taught, he learned by experimenting and making mistakes. Though he studied Film & Television at Lim Kok Wing University, real growth came through hands-on projects. His final year film, Kopiah Bertanduk, was his first major directing effort. He went on to direct 2 Sentence Horror Stories and Watermelon’s Revenge Rhapsody, which won Best Cinematography at the Short + Sweet Film Festival. Najib uses horror to explore raw emotions, turning fear and vulnerability into stories that resonate and connect deeply with audiences.
Drip by Drip 滴答滴答
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Chinese
Duration: 8 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Semenyih, Selangor
Synopsis:
The house is drenched – rainwater has crept in, soaking every corner. I begin searching through cabinets, through old belongings of my mother and me, unaware that I’m slowly peeling back each rain that ever fell beneath our eaves.
Producer: Liang Xuan
Main Actor: Lee Siow Ching
Liang Xuan, born in 2000, is a script writer who graduated from the Communication University of China.
Hujan di Tengah Hari (Midday Rain)
Year of Release: 2025
Language: Malay
Duration: 9 Minutes
Place of Shooting: Ipoh & Lenggong, Perak
Synopsis:
A quiet balance between presence and departure. Inspired by a Malay pantun and the melancholic P. Ramlee song of the same name, Hujan di Tengah Hari is a wordless visual piece on the cyclical nature of life.
Producer: Faris Nabil
Main Actor: Ezad Aziz
Faris Nabil is a film and cinema enthusiast-turned-first-time filmmaker. With no formal background in filmmaking, he found his way to it through years of watching, reflecting, and quietly absorbing. Hujan di Tengah Hari marks his debut short film, work he has carried from feeling into form.
Awards Winner
The Rainmaker Award
Hadiah Dari Hujan (Gift of Rain) by Aei Raa
Award Prize
Zoom H1 XLR Portable Recorder (CK Music)
Jury Statement
This film is boldly experimental, breaking narrative conventions in storytelling, cinematography, editing, and more. It presents a truly distinctive voice, offering a fresh and unique vision and perspective on cinema
Best Short Film Award
Where The Fish Looked Up 一只鱼的天空 by Yeo Jun Yu
Award Prize
RM8,000 Cash Prize
(ArtsFAS, Yayasan Hasanah, Kementerian Kewangan)
Zoom MicTrak M4 (CK Music)
Sennheiser EW-DP ENG Set
Jury Statement
“An exercise in storytelling that cuts to the chase in a frank, straightforward way, supported by performances that are always to the point.
The film’s clarity of narrative and confident pacing keep the audience fully engaged, compelling them to follow closely and anticipate what unfolds next.”
Special Mention Award
Madeleine 潮湿衣服 by Goh Zi Wei (AI Film)
Award Prize
RM2,000 Cash Prize (ArtsFAS, Yayasan Hasanah, Kementerian Kewangan)
Jury Statement
A well conceived and structured film despite shortcomings in the narrative. Nonetheless, its creative use of technology as a tool to propel the story along is remarkable.
Best Director Award
Chili, Garlic and Onion 辣椒 蒜头 洋葱 by Kent Tan
Award Prize
Lumos Float 360° Home Cinema Projector (LUMOS Projector Malaysia)
Jury Statement
The director’s eye for details is most impressive. With a challenging subject at hand or at least in terms of the messaging the film has managed to overcome its rather complex messaging with the simplicity of off the cuff storytelling. Which prevents it from being too academic.
Best Script Award
Where The Fish Looked Up 一只鱼的天空 by Yeo Jun Yu
Award Prize
3 Day 2 Night Writing Retreat at Sentosa Villa Resort in Taiping
Jury Statement
An exercise in storytelling that cuts to the chase in a frank, straightforward way supported by “to the point” performances. There’s clarity in the narrative and the manner in which it grips the audience to know what will happen next.
Best Cinematography Award
Racun Di Nadi by Najib Ya’acob
Award Prize
Cooke Optics Voucher, Manfrotto Tripod, Angelbird Memory Cards (Srishti Digilife – Malaysia)
Jury Statement
The (cinematographic) approach taken in this film towards unravelling a fairly unconventional and subtly subversive story is very impressive. The rather laid back performances may have downplayed the jarring edges needed for the story but overall the look and feel has been correctly depicted. In our humble opinion it could have benefitted from snippets of flashback so that the empathy shown, at times powerful, could be clarified.
Best Sound Design Award
Hujan di Tengah Hari (Midday Rain) by Faris Nabil
Award Prize
Zoom H4 Essential (CK Music)
Jury Statement
The underlying theme of Mother Nature is well presented here, thanks to the attention paid to the aural ambience that was created to support the almost documentary like journey into a reality filled with solid and contrasting images (nature vs man made ness).
Best Sound Award
Drip by Drip 滴答滴答 by Liang Xuan
Award Prize
MKE 600 Shotgun Mic (Sennheiser)
Jury Statement
As a personal testament it is inevitable the film’s creator would move into imagery both real and imagined to highlight how private recollections, like looking at someone else’s family photo album, can be presented in more universal terms to others. Hence we assume the careful and creative use of sound to underscore the reflective and emotional aura of the piece.
Organized by
In Partnership With
In Collaboration With
Strategic Partner
Supported by
Sponsored by
Programme Partner
Powered by
Award Sponsor
Venue Partner
Ticketing Partner
Snack Partner
Product Partner
Beverage Sponsor
Food Sponsor
Umbrella Sponsor
Recreation Sponsor
