Seashorts Film Festival Goes Virtual For Its 2020 Edition2 min read

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With consideration to the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting social distancing measures, the SeaShorts Film Festival will run in a virtual capacity when it returns this 25th to 30th August, 2020.

Originally slated to be held in the city of Ipoh, Perak, the event will instead stream its usual diverse range of cinematic and cultural programming dedicated to Southeast Asia exclusively on seashorts.org.

The Festival has annually shone the spotlight on some of the most inventive work from emerging and established directorial talents of the region. Of the 544 entries received this year, a shortlist of 30 will be in contention for the SeaShorts Award, while the Next New Wave Award recognises the best Malaysian title among them. In addition to the top jury honours, all films in Competition are in the running for prizes in direction, screenwriting, cinematography, editing, sound, and acting.

Cambodian-French filmmaker Davy Chou, Indonesian cinematographer Anggi Frisca, Philippine producer Bianca Balbuena, Singaporean sound engineer Rennie Gomes, and Malaysian historian Dr. Farish A. Noor round off the preeminent names to be lending their judging expertise.

“When we coined the theme, Reimagining Short Films, Reinventing Southeast Asia, it was with the intention to push the boundaries of the medium and the limits of creative vision,” said Tan Chui Mui, Festival Founder and Director. “These current circumstances have put it into a more real perspective; weaving new narrative issues and approaches as we navigate the new normal of restricted living.”

Nicholas Chee, Festival Co-Director, added, “There was a lot of uncertainty about whether we should continue this year, with all the challenges of COVID-19. Taking the Festival online allows us to continue providing a unique window on the contemporary landscape of this land we call home. Our team is putting together an incredible repertoire that aims to represent the rich and original storytelling you can find around these shores.”

Bringing the best of Southeast Asian short film to international audiences, SeaShorts aims to draw greater recognition to the narrative wealth of the region. Alongside the main Official Selection is a digital programme of industry sessions and art experiences that extend opportunities to engage with participating guests from the comfort of home.

Full details including Festival line-up and streaming instructions will be available in July. For more information, visit seashorts.org or fb.com/seashortsmy.