FLC2025 Highlights Diversity Through International Short Film Competition

Faraha Hamidi

JOHOR BAHRU, May 14 – The FLC2025 Short Film Competition, themed Lost In Translation: Diversity in Language and Culture, was among the many engaging programmes featured during the Festival of Languages and Cultures 2025 (FLC2025) from May 14 to 16, in conjunction with the 15th Anniversary Celebration of the Language Academy. The festival celebrated the power of language, the richness of culture, and the limitless potential of creative expression. It was officially launched by Yang Amat Mulia Che’ Puan Mahkota Khaleeda Johor, Pro-Chancellor of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), marking an honourable and memorable beginning to the three-day celebration.

The promotional poster for the FLC2025 Short Film Competition highlights the festival’s theme, “Lost in Translation: Diversity in Language and Culture”.

The competition attracted 33 submissions from six countries; Malaysia, Indonesia, India, Palestine, Lebanon, and the Philippines, featuring participants from various backgrounds including students, hobbyists, professionals, and first-time filmmakers. A total of ten short films were shortlisted and screened at Multimedia Room, Level 4, Perpustakaan Raja Zarith Sofiah (PZRS), UTM.

The Top 10 short films selected for screening

A panel of credible and experienced experts from UTM conducted a rigorous evaluation, assessing each film based on criteria such as theme relevance, creativity, originality, narrative structure, cultural representation, cinematography, sound, music, editing, transitions, and overall impact. The winners were selected with careful consideration through this comprehensive process. The highlight of the competition was the public screening of the top 10 films and the announcement of the grand prize winners. Nine Village from University of Singaperbangsa Karawang (UNSIKA), Indonesia, took first place, receiving RM500 and a certificate. Second place went to Oh My French from UTM, earning RM350 and a certificate. Tambara from Iloilo Science and Technology University (ISAT-U), Philippines, claimed third place, winning RM250 and a certificate.

“Nine Village” from UNSIKA won first place

“Oh My French” from UTM came at second place

“Tambara” from ISAT-U claimed third place

The event was open to the public, drawing audiences from UTM, nearby schools, and the local community. Attendees were able to get tickets on-site to enjoy the screenings and support the filmmakers.

Volunteer on duty was giving entry tickets to the audience

Full house: Audience were enjoying the screening of the top 10 entries in Multimedia Room, Level 4

International students and guests came to support and watch the screening of short films

Primary school students from Johor Bahru came with their teachers and enjoyed short films

In a time where short-form content continues to shape modern storytelling, short films remain a powerful medium for expression, capable of provoking thought, evoking emotion, and driving change. The FLC2025 Short Film Competition served as one of the festival’s meaningful platforms to showcase diverse voices and cultural narratives that deserve to be seen and heard.

Prepared by: Faraha Hamidi and Nur Mahfuzah Mohd Razali