BMW premieres ‘Sometimes Feels Like Summer’ short film, announces BMW Shorties 2024

KUALA LUMPUR: Founded in December 2006, the BMW Shorties is a cultural initiative by BMW Group Malaysia aimed at identifying, nurturing, and supporting emerging film talent in the country. Funded by this initiative, a short film named “Sometimes Feels Like Summer (Adakala Terik Musim Tengkujuh)” was recently premiered by the automotive giant.

The movie is directed by Ikram Haizammuri, the Grand Prize Winner of the 2023 BMW Shorties competition. The film tells the story of a young girl in a rural area of Malaysia, exploring her journey of growing up and self-discovery. It explores the struggles and the beauty of rural life and showcases how the girl navigates between traditional values and the uncertainties of modern adolescence.

Kuantan-born Ikram Haizammuri expressed his gratitude to BMW Shorties for giving him the opportunity to tell a story that reflects the challenges faced by people in rural communities.

“I am incredibly grateful to the BMW Shorties for giving me the platform to bring this story to life, allowing me to share a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable. Their support has allowed me to turn this vision into a project I am truly proud of, and I'm honoured to contribute to the rich tapestry of voices that the BMW Shorties continues to champion,” Ikram said. 

Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, said, “Sometimes Feels Like Summer is a snapshot of the stories and realities of Malaysian life. It is a beautifully crafted creative endeavour that captures the innocence of youth and the complexities of growing up that seem to be continually pushing us forward, whether we will it to or not. It’s a narrative that touches on the values we champion at BMW Group Malaysia—celebrating the diverse voices that make up the fabric of our society and providing a platform for these stories to be told.”

He added, “Every year, our BMW Shorties grand prize winners continue to grow and astound us with their creativity and commitment to meaningful storytelling. Ikram Haizammuri’s work is a testament to the power of uplifting local talent in shaping the future of the Malaysian creative scene, and we are proud to support him and other creatives who dare to explore the uncharted narratives of our society, telling their stories.”

BMW Shorties 2024

Alongside presenting “Sometimes Feels Like Summer,” BMW Group Malaysia also announced the BMW Shorties 2024. The theme for the upcoming competition is PULSE, encouraging filmmakers to find the pulse of their creative drive.

Interested folks can submit their entries for the BMW Shorties 2024 until September 30 at www.bmwshorties.com.my. 

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