The KKIFF 2021 is proud to announce the winners of the Zoom10 Filmmakers’ Competition. Congratulations to the Golden Kinabalu Awards winners – Jessica Heng, Firdaus and Putri Purnama Sugua. And congratulations also to those directors who got Special Mentions from our jury.

Thanks to the Sabah Tourism Board who sponsored our Zoom10 Filmmakers’ Competition Awards Night, including the trophies, prize money and certificates.

 

Winners – with citations from the jury

Documentary
  1. Golden Kinabalu Award
    Just a Call Away
    Director: Jessica Heng | Singapore
    A film that very much reflects our contemporary lives and how we connect with our loved ones during the pandemic. Effectively told through simple animation amongst mundane interiors of a lockdown, each recorded conversation brings about a reminder of how this pandemic affects the lives of the elderly and a longing to one day connect with them face to face once again.

    2.  

  2. Special Mention
    Small Steps
    Director: Richard Legaspi | Philippines
    Providing an effective example of how getting children to participate joyously in music brings about a community spirit, and also develops their minds as a preparation for a positive future.

    3.  

  3. Special Mention
    Bojus The Mask & The Spirit of Ancestors
    Director: Faris | Malaysia
    Demystifying the ancient traditions connected to a community’s ancestors, as seen through the mask making of one of their spirits, a character who is actually benign, and one who loves people.

    4.  

  4. Special Mention
    Elsa
    Director: Lim Jen Nee | Singapore
    This very sweet hybrid documentary about a young boy having to deal with social and gender normativity touched our hearts. We strongly celebrate stories that challenge these constructs and applaud the intimate execution of the film.

Indigenous Language
  1. Golden Kinabalu Award
    Anak Seletar
    Director: Firdaus Balam | Malaysia
    For effectively highlighting the uncertain future of a minority in a very visual and non-judgemental way.

    2.  

  2. Special Mention
    Disappearing Verses
    Director: Ricardo Unto | Malaysia
    For stressing the importance of an ancient tradition to the younger generation, one that is of value not only to the community but also for the world.
Narrative

  1. Golden Kinabalu Award
    Here I Am
    Director: Purnama Sugua | Malaysia
    A fictional account of a profoundly real story that echoes in many stateless and undocumented youths in Malaysia. This film shows a strong sense of direction and creativity, questioning the futures of these children and dealing with an issue that is still being ignored today.

    2.  

  2. Special Mention
    Looking for Wong Kar Wai
    Director: Christoper Ling Jing | Malaysia
    A short film that plays on the styles and tones reminiscent of French New Wave, we enjoyed this film that dances with cinema in a self-aware voice.

    3.  

  3. Special Mention
    Bookanima
    Director: Shon Kim | Republic of Korea
    An experimental short that pushes the techniques of animation, bringing life and movement to the illustrated physicality of a book. This film plays with the nostalgia of print through the form of dance in an innovative and unexpected manner.