Mini Film Festival is the longest-running short film festival in Malaysia annually held by the Cinematography Programme, Faculty of Applied and Creative Arts, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak. This ever-flourishing film festival is now stepping into its 22nd year with the support of many passionate individuals.

Film and arts are mesmerizing for their ability to both, at least figuratively, to entrap and untangle its audiences and makers. The former is seemingly pessimistic at first glance, while in contrast with the latter, which engenders a sense of freedom and agency. We follow through with the film or art presented before our eyes, trying to grasp the meaning and intention of the artists. Consciously or not, we often fall for the narrative the film/ arts carry, inadvertently trapped by the subjective world the filmmaker/ artist has created for us.

We are entrapped by filmmakers’ creations and the unique experience of appreciating artists’ creativity. Leaving the cinema hall or art exhibition with multitudes of possible emotions ranging from excitement, puzzlement, lingering fear, or sadness. Some of us continue the cinematic and artistic experience by collecting merchandise and consuming the arts on other occasions. A way to extend the fans’ imagination and fantasy for the film/ arts they have fallen in love with.

This year, we celebrate youth in film and the creative arts—where raw ideas, lived experiences, and bold imaginations come to life. It’s a space where young creators explore what matters to them: identity, community, fears, joys, resistance, hope. Every frame, every artwork, every story is a reflection of how young people see and shape the world around them. This festival is a celebration of that energy—of creative freedom, self- discovery, and the power of youth to redefine what art and storytelling can be. So come with curiosity. Leave inspired.

For film submissions to the 22nd Mini Film Festival, we are calling for submissions from local Malaysians and international youth filmmakers to showcase their films of any genre and subject. This is a non-competitive screening category, where selected films will be showcased at the festival and will not be considered for awards or competition.

22nd Mini Film Festival committee continues to strive its very best in bringing a series of film-related events, onsite or online. Commencing May 2026, there will be a series of film screenings (Duduk dan Tonton), workshops and talk that feature timely topics with panelists hailed from the industry and academia. The festival’s highlight will be its festival’s week (tentatively from 18 - 19 June) that brings films and the other arts under one roof as Mini Film Festival. We welcome you to take part in the festival.

Rules & Terms

Rules and Terms
General Guidelines
1. There is no limit to the number of film submissions.
2. All entries must be in digital format.
3. Participants may work in groups or submit entries as individuals.
4. Only submissions done through FilmFreeWay will be accepted.
5. Last submission date: 1st June 2026
6. By submitting their film, the filmmaker acknowledge that they are submitting for non-competitive screening for the use during 22nd Mini Film Festival only.

Video Requirements
1. Video format is “.mp4” or “.mov” in 48 kHz audio quality and a minimum of 1080p in resolution.
2. All content that is submitted in the language(s) other than English is required to have English subtitles included.
3. The film's duration (running time includes end credits) accepted is not above 30 minutes.
4. All participants will bear full responsibility for the images and soundtracks used in the film(s) submitted, i.e. it should NOT be copyrighted material(s) unless permission from the material(s) owner(s) was given.
5. Participants are required to provide a downloadable and playable digital video file should their film(s) are selected for screening.

Rules and Regulations
1. No copyrighted materials (music, images, etc.) may be used for this contest unless you own the copyright or have a licence to use the material for this contest. Written permission must be obtained and provided upon request for all copyrighted materials.
2. Mini Film Festival may use submitted films to screen/stream at the festival or via social media for promotional purposes regarding the festival itself.
3. All the materials received will not be returned, and the works will be part of the video library of the Mini Film Festival, to be used for educational purposes, research or study and not for profit.
4. All portions of the online entry form must be completed when you upload your video for it to be eligible for the festival.
5. Participation in this festival, regardless of your age, implies unconditional acceptance of the festival’s rules and regulations.

Notes
• We retain the right to change the date and venue of the festival under special circumstances. All filmmakers will be informed about any changes through our online platforms.
• We protect your personal information and does not sell or share to any
third parties.
12 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Mayadah "Vic" Al-Shahab

    Professional and timely reply, lovely experience

    June 2026
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  • George Yong

    One of the best Festival I've attended. Their hospitalities are beyond greatness.

    August 2024
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  • NEW WAVE FILMS

    Mini Film Festival had invited us to join their 4 day event in Kuching, especially because we had been nominated for 1 of their categories. The organizers were very professional and they had planned the event very well, they even offered free accommodation and even transport from the airport. Throughout the festival, not only did they have asean film screenings but they also included workshops. I think they chose wisely with the guest speakers that attended. We enjoyed our time and made alot of networking with other filmmakers. It was truly a great experience especially for our first trip film festival.

    July 2024
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  • kean hian Lim

    A little trip to the land of hornbills. Nice people, good food and a clear blue sky.

    Also my first time attend to Mini Film Festival. Interesting programmes and films screening. I really enjoyed the series of S-Express which showcase the contemporary issues or the feelings from the neighbourshood filmmakers in South East Asia region. Deep impression to S-Express from Vietnam, Thailand and Indonesia. Very creative, bold yet poetic.

    MFF don't have red carpet but I could feel the respect from them towards screening films and filmmakers. Mini in scale, big in ambition. Thanks again to MFF and I wish them can keep going and make it an important and well known film festival in future.

    July 2023
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  • Michael Kam

    Really appreciated the warmth and enthusiasm of Chong Lee and his team at Mini Film Festival to make it a memorable and fun experience.

    March 2023
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