“Siok10” Filmmakers’ Competition

Submissions open in March 2026

Submissions close on 24 July 2026

Length

Up to…

10 minutes

Categories

  1. Short Film – Documentary
  2. Short Film – Narrative (Story)
  3. Short Film – Indigenous Language*

“Siok10” Filmmakers’ Competition

This is our annual short film competition. This year, we are calling it “SIOK10”. SIOK pronounced as ‘shok’ and means ‘feel good’. Feels good to celebrate the 17th anniversary of the KKIFF!

* An indigenous language is a language that is native to a region and spoken by indigenous people, often reduced to the status of a minority language. This language is from a linguistically distinct community that has been settled in the area for many generations. Many indigenous languages have become endangered because of language deaths or linguicide caused by colonization, in which the original language is replaced by that of the colonists. [Wikipedia]

Judging Criteria

Good story-telling, originality and creativity – in all 3 categories.

Kinabalu Awards

1 award will be made in each category:

GOLDEN KINBALU AWARDS
Documentary, Narrative, Indigenous Language
Trophy, plus RM3,000 in each category

Special Mention Awards

Will be made at the jury’s decision – certificates awarded.

Siok10 Awards Night

  • When: Sunday, 20 September 2026, 7.30pm
  • Where: TBC

Special Notes

    1. Individuals directly involved in the organisation, administration, or judging of KKIFF 2026 are not eligible to participate in this competition.

    Competition Guidelines

    1. This competition is open to citizens and residents of ASEAN countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam), Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
    2. The fee to enter this competition on FilmFreeway is US$8.00.
    3. The film can be any genre (animation, documentary, drama, experimental, horror, comedy, etc).
    4. Length: maximum 10 minutes, including credits – that is, the movie can be up to 10 minutes long.
    5. Screening Format – submit as MP4, no longer than 10 minutes.
    6. Language – any language but ALL non-English films must have English subtitles.
    7. ALL ENTRIES must have English subtitles.
    8. Multiple entries are welcome.
    9. Copyright for all music and videos used must be owned by the filmmaker – that is, you must have permission to use all music, sound and/or artwork in your short film. By entering this competition, you agree that the KKIFF2026 will not beheld liable for any copyright infringements perpetrated by you or your short film.
    10. KKIFF reserves the right to usestills and/or short clips of films submitted to Siok10 for the purposes of marketing and promotion.
    11. The film you enter must have been completed on or after 24 July 2024.
    12. The film should be entirely your own work.
    13. If your film has been inspired by another film, please note this in the credits.
    14. To submit your entry, go to Filmfreeway.
    15. Entries must be submitted by 24 July 2026.
    16. The KKIFF encourages filmmakers who have submitted entries for Siok10 Filmmakers’ Competition to attend the festival, especially Awards Night (20 September 2026). However, the KKIFF is unable to provide a financial contribution for airfares or additional expenses incurred during the festival.

    If you have any questions, contact: Jude – +6014 3514298 or Tommy – +6013 5417796 or email us: info@kkiff.com