TAIPING, Perak: The third Raintown Film Festival (RFF) will return this September in Taiping, Perak, bringing together film enthusiasts while opening submissions for the Raintown Short Film Competition 2026.
Founded in 2024 by Malaysian filmmaker, Jacky Yeap, the annual festival celebrates Malaysian cinema through film screenings, workshops, talks, outdoor screenings and cultural experiences.
In a press statement on Friday (March 6), the festival said this year’s competition theme, ‘After the Rain’, invites filmmakers to explore fresh narratives and emotions inspired by moments that follow rainfall.
The organisers said the event aims to strengthen Malaysia’s creative ecosystem by connecting filmmakers, audiences and industry professionals through meaningful engagement.
Often referred to as ‘Raintown’, Taiping is known as Malaysia’s wettest town and provides a fitting backdrop for storytelling centred on rain and life after storms.
The competition encourages emerging filmmakers to showcase their creativity while learning from experienced industry practitioners through dialogue and collaborative opportunities.
“The Raintown Short Film Competition is designed to give filmmakers a platform to present their work while building connections with audiences and fellow creators,” the statement said.
Submissions are open to Malaysian filmmakers of all backgrounds, including students, independent creators, professionals and hobbyists interested in producing meaningful short films.
Last year’s competition attracted 103 participants, ranging from secondary school and film students to established directors and retirees passionate about filmmaking.
The organisers said the response reflected growing interest in short film production and reinforced the festival’s role as an inclusive platform for creative expression.
The 2026 edition is held in conjunction with Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and will highlight Taiping’s cultural and natural attractions through film and curated experiences.
During the three-day festival, selected films shot in Taiping will be screened alongside a documentary talk on the relocation of Terong SJK (C) Aik Hua.
The relocation project was previously announced by Deputy Minister of Education, Wong Kah Woh, and reflects efforts to preserve educational heritage while supporting community development.
Festival visitors will also be invited to join guided tours to Taiping Hill, offering a chance to experience the town’s scenic landscape beyond the cinema screen.
For the competition, filmmakers must submit works under 10 minutes in any genre, including fiction, documentary or animation, with English subtitles included.
Entries must be submitted in H.264 MP4 or MOV format with a minimum resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels, and must be produced by Malaysian creators.
Submissions close on June 14, with 20 shortlisted films to be screened during the festival and judged for several awards.
The Best Short Film winner will receive RM8,000, alongside prizes sponsored by brands including CK Music, GoPro, Logitech, N4 Camera Store, Ulanzi and Lumos.
“The prizes aim to motivate filmmakers to continue producing creative work while strengthening Malaysia’s independent filmmaking community,” the statement said.
Filmmakers and audiences can obtain further information or submit entries through the festival’s official Facebook page or the online submission portal.
