KKIFF is Malaysia's longest running film festival based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
The festival includes international and regional movie screenings, talks, workshops and training for film makers.

"SIOK10" Filmmakers' Competition

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

SIOK10 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

KKIFF 2026 Awards Night
• When: Sunday, 20th September 2026, 7.30pm
• Where: TBC

CINEBALU
Provides an opportunity for independent regional filmmakers to screen new work. Our aim is to highlight the talent of emerging, independent filmmakers throughout the ASEAN region, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Republic of Korea. This is out of competition.

SABAH FILMMAKING COURSE
An 8 day, hands-on, intensive training course for young Malaysian filmmakers. They work in teams to produce short films under the guidance of experienced international and regional professionals from the film industry.

SABAH PITCHING TRAINING & AWARDS
This 2-day workshop is open to documentary filmmakers from the ASEAN region, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Republic of Korea. Participants will learn how to pitch their feature length
documentary film project and make a pitch to a jury.

Awards & Prizes

"SIOK10"
Kinabalu Awards
1 award will be made in each category:

GOLDEN KINABALU AWARDS
Trophy, plus RM3,000.00 in each category
Documentary, Narrative (Story) and Indigenous Language

JURY AWARD
Will be made at the jury's discretion - certificates awarded

Rules & Terms

"SIOK10" Competition Guidelines:

Make sure you select "SIOK10" at the SELECT DEADLINE option for submission.

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 entry 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 dialogue 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 be held liable for any copyright infringements perpetrated by you or your short film.

10. KKIFF reserves the right to use stills 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 24th 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, please go to FilmFreeway

15. Entries must be submitted by 24th July 2026

16. The KKIFF encourages filmmakers who have submitted entries for SIOK10 to attend the festival, especially Awards Night (20th September 2026). However, the KKIFF is unable to provide a financial contribution for airfares or additional expenses incurred during the festival.

Special notes
1. Individuals directly involved in the organisation, administration, or judging of KKIFF 2026 are not eligible to participate in this competition
2. Not all entries will be shown at the SIOK10 Highlight Webinar – that is, the selection of entries discussed will be completely at the jury’s discretion.

If you have any questions, contact:  Jude +60 14 351 4298 or Tommy +60 13 541 7796 or email us:  info@kkiff.com

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5 Reviews
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  • Sergiy Pudich

    Amazing festival - very responsive and professional. Organizers to their job 120%! Highly recommend

    July 2025
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  • Alfred Banze

    We were very happy about participating in this festival and even getting nominated for our film BETON SAKTI! Unfortunetly we could not visit the festival. Maybe next time, we hope!!!

    July 2025
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  • Elvert Bañares

    When I flew in to Kota Kinabalu to attend KKIFF2022, all I want was to represent our film, view the other films, meet new filmmaker friends and attend the Jury talk. But KKIFF is more than that! Jude is such as warm and jovial spirit. It was a case of kindred spirit for us when I first arrived and Jude introduced me to all the lovely people of the festival.

    Meeting Jude and the Sabahan filmmakers was such a joy that I truly value. And to meet Hassan (and listen to his talk) is truly an honor. 'was able to make friends like William and many Sabahan filmmakers and actors. I was also able to meet Filipino filmmakers who attended and was able to continue communication with them after KKIFF.

    KKIFF is a intimate festival experience with some of the friendliest people this side of the planet. It was one of the highlights of our year 2022 and we are most grateful.

    I urge Asian filmmakers to join in the Filmmakers Competition or just be part of the non-competitive sections. Add color and diversity to their already interesting programming.

    To Jude, Hassan, Rendall, Chris and William, thank you so much and congratulations to a lovely festival. Words can't measure up to the warmest accommodation you've shown us. To that I say, madamo gid nga salamat kag padayon!

    March 2023
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  • Khristine Sandoval

    Superb effort of the organizers, thank you Jude Day! See you on next Film Festival!

    January 2023
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  • Chia Xuen Low

    Thank you for selecting my film!!

    September 2019
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