The 7th PRISM UBD Short Film Festival 2024 concluded with a prestigious Award Ceremony on 5th December, recognising the creativity and talent of filmmakers from across ASEAN, Japan and Romania. The event, held at the Pro-Chancellor Arts Centre theatre, Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD), honoured outstanding works in various categories, with winners from Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines.

The ceremony was graced by distinguished guests, including Dr. Hj Abdul Hanif bin Dato Paduka Hj Mahadi, Assistant Vice-Chancellor of Research, Innovation and Sustainability at UBD, and representatives from key sponsors who made the event possible: YM Puan Sufinah binti Haji Sulaiman, Acting Deputy Managing Director of Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, YM Tuan Haji Jailani Bin Haji Buntar, Chief Executive of the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry (AITI), and YM Tuan Mohamed Hazman bin Dato Paduka Haji Othman, Vice President of IT, Imagine Sdn Bhd. Their continued support underscores the importance of industry-institution partnerships in fostering creative talents and enhancing the local film and media landscape. Also present as the Guest of Honors include Dr Kathrina DP Hj Mohd Daud, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Universiti Brunei Darussalam and Dr Chester Keasberry, Programme Leader for the Design and Creative Industries, Universiti Brunei Darussalam. Other attendees included student filmmakers, their friends and family, faculty members, and members of the public.

In their remarks, Dr. Yong Liu and Dr. Mayyer Ling, co-organisers of the festival, expressed their gratitude for the exceptional entries and the role of the festival in encouraging local and regional filmmakers. They emphasised how such events help students from UBD and other institutions build their portfolios and showcase their works to a wider audience, facilitating valuable industry exposure.

Dr. Yong Liu said, “We are truly grateful for the outstanding support we have received from our sponsors, including Yayasan Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, the Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry, and Imagine Sdn Bhd. Their commitment has been invaluable in bringing this festival to life, and we look forward to continuing this collaboration to support the creative growth of our students and the wider community.”

Dr. Mayyer Ling added, “This event highlights the importance of fostering closer ties between academia and industry. Through this collaboration, our students not only gain the opportunity to showcase their talents but also benefit from the guidance and exposure provided by industry professionals. We believe this will continue to be a key stepping stone in their creative journeys.”

The festival’s continued success demonstrates the importance of supporting creative industries and media education, not only in Brunei but across Southeast Asia. As the PRISM UBD Short Film Festival grows, it offers a unique platform for filmmakers to connect, learn, and showcase their screen works on an international stage.

The full list for all the award winners of 7th PRISM UBD Short Film Festival:

• Best Animation: Blinding Lights (Filmmakers: Danica Sy & Angelo Lubao, iAcademy, The Philippines)
• Best Experimental Short Film: My Diary Does Not Exist (Filmmaker: Papat Aurdilokkul, Chulalongkorn University, Thailand)
• Best Fiction Short Film (Drama): Lalu Masa (Filmmaker: Isma Faiq & Didi MD, Politeknik Brunei, Brunei Darussalam)
• Best Fiction Short Film (Comedy): 2YOEL (Filmmaker: Ergia Maharani Putri, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
• Best Smartphone-made Short Film: The Night Shift (Filmmaker: AWG Muhammad Danish Bin MOHD Tazim, Siti Solehah Binti Haji Mohd. Sapami, and Syahirah Binti Suhairi, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam)
• The People’s Choice Award: R.I.S.E. (River Improvement & Sustainable Ecosystems, Filmmaker: Silas Emovwodo, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam)

• 1st Place: Hope Beneath the Waves (Filmmaker: Ashrafil Arrifin, Poni Divers, Brunei Darussalam)
• 2nd Place: Promise of the Forest (Filmmaker: Mieko Yoshida, Animal-Pathway & Wildlife Association, Japan)
• 3rd Place: R.I.S.E. (River Improvement & Sustainable Ecosystems, Filmmaker: Silas Emovwodo, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam)

• 1st Place: Mitya (Denise Ericka Marfori, Visayas State University, The Philippines)
• 2nd Place: Save Water, Save Lives (Filmmaker: Amal Izzati Binti Haji Mohd. Nawawi, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam)
• 3rd Place: Voice in the Trash (Filmmaker: Awg Muhammad Danish Bin Mohd Tazim, Universiti Brunei Darussalam, Brunei Darussalam)

• A'aqiil Ahmad (Filterworks Productions & Progresif Sdn Bhd) as Jury Chair
• Dr. Koes Yuliadi, Lecturer in Theatre Department, Indonesia Institute of the Arts Yogyakarta
• Nurain Abdullah (Producer, Regalblue Production)
• Pg Mohd Khairul Amali bin Pg Hj Mohd Roslin (Senior Producer, Radio Televisyen Brunei)
• Khairul Anwar (Chief Operating Officer, Dat Root)

• Hajah Nur Liyana binti Haji Ramlee (Acting Special Duties Officer, Grade I, SDG Unit, Prime Minister's Office)
• Dr Wardah Hakimah binti Hj Sumardi (Deputy Director of Sustainability, Office of Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation and Sustainability, UBD)
• Khairunnisa Ash'ari (Co-Founder/Community Engagement Director, Green Brunei)