Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The SeaShorts Film Festival is inviting filmmakers to submit short films of up to 40 minutes (including credits) under multiple competition categories. The call includes the SeaShorts Competition for Southeast Asian short films, the Malaysian Open Competition for Malaysian short films, and the Malaysian Student Short Film category for student filmmakers in or from Malaysia, aiming to celebrate regional storytelling and support both emerging and established filmmakers.
Overview
The SeaShorts Film Festival is seeking short film submissions across several competition categories that spotlight both Southeast Asian and Malaysian filmmaking talent.
The festival is focused on promoting strong storytelling from the region while creating opportunities for:
- Emerging filmmakers
- Established filmmakers
- Regional creative voices
- Student filmmakers
This makes it a valuable platform for short film directors looking for visibility within Southeast Asia and Malaysia.
Competition Categories
The call includes the following key categories:
- SeaShorts Competition
- Malaysian Open Competition
- Malaysian Student Short Film
Each category has its own director-based eligibility requirements.
Category-Wise Eligibility
1. SeaShorts Competition
This category is for:
- Southeast Asian short films
Eligibility requirement:
- The director must be Southeast Asian
This category is intended to showcase regional voices and storytelling from across Southeast Asia.
2. Malaysian Open Competition
This category is for:
- Malaysian short films
Eligibility requirement:
- The director must be Malaysian
This category highlights national filmmaking talent from Malaysia.
3. Malaysian Student Short Film
This category is specifically for:
- Malaysian student short films
Eligibility requirement:
- The director must be a student in or from Malaysia during the production of the film
This category supports student filmmakers and emerging creative talent connected to Malaysia.
Film Duration Requirement
All submitted films must meet the festival’s runtime rule.
Maximum Length
- Films must not exceed 40 minutes
- This includes credits
This requirement applies across the competition categories mentioned.
Who Should Apply?
This opportunity is ideal for:
- Southeast Asian short film directors
- Malaysian filmmakers
- Malaysian student filmmakers
- Emerging regional storytellers
- Established short film creators seeking festival exposure
What Makes a Strong Submission?
A strong submission should demonstrate:
- A compelling and original short film narrative
- Strong regional or cultural storytelling
- Clear alignment with the correct competition category
- A runtime within the 40-minute limit
- Strong direction, editing, and technical presentation
- A clear artistic voice that reflects the festival’s regional focus
Submission Tips
- Choose the correct category carefully
Make sure your film is submitted under the category that matches the director’s eligibility. - Confirm director eligibility first
Since eligibility is director-based, check whether the director qualifies as:- Southeast Asian
- Malaysian
- A student in or from Malaysia during production
- Check the runtime
Ensure the film is:- 40 minutes or less
- Including end credits
- Highlight regional storytelling
The festival strongly values stories connected to Southeast Asia and Malaysia. - Ensure festival-ready presentation
Submit the best possible version with strong:- Picture quality
- Sound quality
- Subtitle quality (if applicable)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these common issues:
- Submitting to the wrong category
- Overlooking the director-based eligibility requirement
- Exceeding the 40-minute runtime limit
- Forgetting that credits are included in the runtime
- Assuming general film eligibility without checking nationality/student status
- Submitting a rough cut instead of a polished festival version
FAQ
1. What is the SeaShorts Film Festival call for?
It is a call for short film submissions across multiple competition categories focused on Southeast Asian and Malaysian filmmakers.
2. What are the main competition categories?
The call includes:
- SeaShorts Competition
- Malaysian Open Competition
- Malaysian Student Short Film
3. Who can apply to the SeaShorts Competition?
For the SeaShorts Competition:
- The director must be Southeast Asian
4. Who can apply to the Malaysian Open Competition?
For the Malaysian Open Competition:
- The director must be Malaysian
5. Who can apply to the Malaysian Student Short Film category?
For the Malaysian Student Short Film category:
- The director must be a student in or from Malaysia during the production of the film
6. What is the maximum film duration?
Submitted films must:
- Be no longer than 40 minutes
- Including credits
Conclusion
The SeaShorts Film Festival 2026 offers a strong platform for Southeast Asian and Malaysian short filmmakers to showcase their work through category-specific competitions that celebrate regional and national storytelling.
For more information, visit SeaShorts Film Festival.