Canon Malaysia officially announces its first-ever “Canon Short Film Contest 2023”

SHAH ALAM: Canon Marketing Malaysia (“Canon”), a leader in the photographic and digital imaging industry, has officially announced its first-ever “Canon Short Film Contest 2023”. The contest invites aspiring filmmakers and content creators nationwide, whether armed with cameras or smartphones, to showcase their creative finesse as part of the company’s efforts in proactively engaging with and fostering talent in the local film industry.

In Canon’s continued efforts to uplift the Malaysian creative industry, this contest provides a valuable opportunity for filmmakers and content creators to hone their skills and serves as a platform to gain exposure or kickstart their careers. With this initiative supported by Tourism Malaysia, Canon aims to foster the sustainable growth of the Malaysian film landscape while shining a spotlight on the nation’s immense creative potential.

Themed “Harmony in Diversity,” the Canon Short Film Contest 2023 invites participants to embark on a narrative journey in appreciation of the rich tapestry of cultures that surrounds us. The contest casts a spotlight on captivating short films that showcase the exceptional experiences that Malaysia has to offer such as culture, racial diversity and travel destinations; while serving as a compelling medium that highlights the flair for storytelling held by our local filmmakers.

Shunji Yoshikai, President and CEO of Canon Marketing Malaysia, said, “We’re excited to see the video entries from budding filmmakers in Malaysia, as they express their perspectives of ‘Harmony in Diversity’ through visual storytelling. As guided by our philosophy of ‘Kyosei,’ the Canon Short Film Contest 2023 reflects our commitment to nurturing local creative talents, harnessing the power of visual storytelling to bring people together while celebrating their unique perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds.”

Dato’ Dr. Ammar Abd. Ghapar, Director General of Tourism Malaysia, also expressed his hope for the initiative, “There is beauty in every aspect of our country. From its man-made wonders to its natural biodiversity, paired with a unique blend of culture and heritage, Malaysia is a vibrant haven for those who love to express themselves through a camera lens. Through this contest, Tourism Malaysia is thrilled to have our aspiring filmmakers capture the land that we call home in their own creative ways.”

The panel of judges for the contest are comprised of distinguished industry experts, including Raja Mukhriz, an accomplished director with numerous accolades for cinematography; Indra Che Muda Redzuan, a highly regarded Director of Photography with multiple honours; and Chew Han Tah, a veteran in TV programming and storytelling. The judges will assess submissions, seeking videos that inspire, provoke emotions and demonstrate exceptional technical skills.

Canon has partnered with Nanlite, SanDisk, Sennheiser and Zhiyun to offer an array of attractive prizes to the winners, including videography equipment up for grabs worth more than RM200,000 in total. One lucky grand prize winner will have a chance to walk away with RM 50,000 in prize money. The Canon Short Film Contest 2023 is open to all Malaysian residents aged 18 and above, with entries accepted from 1 September 2023 to 15 October 2023. The contest welcomes entries of short videos between three to ten minutes long, filmed on any brand of cameras or smartphones. There are three categories for entry – Camera, University & Colleges (for university and college students) and Smartphone. Participants can submit their short films through Canon’s official website where the Terms and Conditions for the contest can be found.

For the latest updates and details on Canon Short Film Contest 2023, visit https://my.canon/en/consumer or follow Canon Marketing Malaysia on Facebook and Instagram.