Sweet10 Filmmakers’ Competition

SUBMISSIONS OPEN: 15 January 2025

Submissions close on 13 June 2025

Length

Up to…

10 minutes

Categories

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

“Sweet10” Filmmakers’ Competition

Is a short film competition for filmmakers from Southeast Asian countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam), South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

* 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

Jury Awards

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

Sweet10 Highlight Webinar

  • Details to be posted later
  • Who: All competition participants and anyone else who is interested
  • Why: To receive feedback from the judges on selected entries

Sweet10 Awards Night

  • When: Sunday, 10 August 2025, 7.00pm
  • Where: Hilton Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Special Notes

    1. Anyone linked to the organization of the KKIFF 2025 cannot enter this competition.
    2. Not all entries will be shown at the Sweet10 Highlight Webinar – that is, the selection of entries discussed will be completely at the jury’s discretion.

    Competition Guidelines

    1. This competition is open to citizens and residents of Southeast Asian countries (Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam), South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong.
    2. The entry fee to enter this competition on FilmFreeway is US$8.00.
    3. The film can be any genre – including 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 3 minutes (Category: Explore Sabah) and 10 minutes (Categories: Narrative, Documentary and Indigenous Language).
    6. Screening Format – submit as MP4, no longer than 10 minutes.
    7. Language – any language but ALL non-English dialogue films must have English subtitles.
    8. All entries must have English subtitles.
    9. Multiple entries are welcome.
    10. 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 KKIFF 2025 will not be held liable for any copyright infringements perpetrated by you or your short film.
    11. KKIFF reserves the right to use stills and/or short clips of films submitted to Sweet10 for the purposes of marketing and promotion.
    12. The film you enter must have been completed on or after 27 July 2023.
    13. The film should be entirely your own work.
    14. If your film has been inspired by another film, please note this in the credits.
    15. To submit your entry, go to Filmfreeway.
    16. Entries must be submitted by 13 June 2025
    17. The KKIFF encourages filmmakers who have submitted entries for Sweet10 to attend the festival, especially Awards Night (10th August 2025). 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