Award-winning agency Ampersand Advisory launches CUT! – Malaysia’s premier horror short film competition with RM 40,000 cash prizes

Ampersand Advisory introduced CUT! – Malaysia’s premier horror short film competition designed to spotlight daring, original voices in genre storytelling. CUT! is the country’s biggest platform dedicated to discovering, nurturing, and showcasing emerging storytellers in horror.

Open to Malaysians aged 18 and above, CUT! invites original completed short horror films rooted in cultural authenticity, craft, and creative risk. “CUT! isn’t just a competition – it’s a launchpad with long-term possibilities,” said Sandeep Joseph, CEO and co-founder of Ampersand Advisory.

“We’re creating a space where horror filmmakers can be taken seriously and nurtured into globally competitive storytellers. We hope to unearth and shine a spotlight on new talent who can thereafter work with seasoned mentors to grow their careers. Ampersand Advisory, as a multi-award-winning agency with in-house production capability, we would also look at hiring good talent we find from Cut!

Globally, horror is a leading genre when it comes not just to popularity, but also profitability. And the genre is extremely popular amongst the 600 million residents of South East Asia, creating a great audience and hence business potential for producers and film-financiers.

With a stellar judging panel comprising Puan Nini Yusof, CEO of Media Prima TV Networks, and CEO of PrimeWorks, Raja Jastina Raja Arshad, Head of Astro Shaw and Nusantara, Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, Chief Explorer of Komet and noted industry legend, and Craig Conway, British actor, producer and director, CUT! has one of the most high-powered juries ever in Malaysia.

This should give filmmakers the confidence that their work will be seen by the best of the best. It’s also a great opportunity for filmmakers to get their work out in front of real decision-makers who have made a massive impact on Malaysia’s local film scene.”

“We also have a special award for the best Student entry, to encourage budding filmmakers, talent and crew too”. Sandeep added, “In total, almost RM 40,000 is available as prize money, so we’re hoping Malaysian filmmakers will get motivated to participate, seeing both financial rewards and industry recognition.”

Craig Conway also heads UK-based independent film enterprise Turnover XXV. Turnover XXV has combined with award-winning integrated Malaysian agency Ampersand Advisory to launch a landmark collaboration to champion regional storytelling and open doors for Southeast Asian creatives through the Independent Film Production Partnership (IPP).

Unveiled at Velvet Cinemas by GSC, Mont Kiara, the IPP initiative aims to develop original films, provide co-production opportunities, and offer a sustainable platform for creatives in Malaysia and the wider region to access international industry pathways. The first feature film under the IPP banner is already in development.

“We’re here to tell stories that matter – stories that come from real places, people, and purpose,” said Craig Conway, co-founder of Turnover XXV. “This partnership places the North East of England in meaningful conversation with Southeast Asia. It’s about sharing stories, nurturing talent, and ensuring the next wave of filmmakers has the support they need to break through.”

“Turnover XXV was founded to tell stories that move, challenge, and connect – no matter where they come from. What starts in this part of the world can resonate globally when given the right platform,” added Conway.

From the North East of England to the heart of Southeast Asia, this partnership signals a new cinematic movement – one that celebrates truth, empowers emerging talent, and positions Malaysia as a creative force ready to shape stories the world wants to see.

“This IPP is more than a production deal – it’s a blueprint for regional talent to step confidently onto the global stage,” said Sandeep Joseph, CEO and co-founder of Ampersand Advisory. “We want co-creation with international partners to be possible, accessible, and purposeful.”

When asked about the focus on horror, Sandeep explained, “Horror is one of the most expressive genres – it reflects our culture, fears, and folklore while cutting across language and geography. A good scare, like a good story, connects us all.” Submissions for CUT! are now open at www.ampersand-advisory.com/cut. The deadline for entries is 19th September 2025.

Celebrating Industry Unity and Creative Breakthroughs 

The launch also featured a panel discussion with Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, Chacko Vadaketh (Board Member of FINAS), Ako Mustapha (Malaysian Actor and Film Producer), Craig Conway, and Sandeep Joseph, who explored the region’s storytelling potential, the rising global demand for original regional voices, and the power of authentic collaboration.

Also present for Turnover XXV were co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer Dr Amita Krishna, Head of SE Asia Partnerships Thomas Cherian Anneseri and Lead Talent Agent for Newtown Artist Management, Andrea Davison. NewTown is seeking Asian acting talent to bring overseas, and sees great potential in Malaysian thespians.

A New Chapter for Global Storytelling 

Together, Turnover XXV and Ampersand Advisory are laying the foundation for a creative future that is diverse, globally connected, and fearless – where Southeast Asian stories don’t wait to be discovered but boldly take the spotlight.

For more information, visit www.ampersand-advisory.com or find us on LinkedIn. For details on Turnover XXV, visit www.turnoverxxv.com.

TIME TO ENTER APPIES

The APPIES is an annual event that presents a rare opportunity for creative, media, digital and marketing agencies or brands to present their best campaigns to the industry.

This is the only event where Live Presentations meets Live Judging.

Similar to TED Talks, The APPIES is the chance for great presenters with outstanding work to show it off to some of the industry’s most important industry leaders.

This year’s winners will receive Gold, Silver or Bronze trophies for 21 categories, and 6 special Best of Best categories (red trophies) that require no submissions!

Campaign entries must have run between June 2024 to May 2025

SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY

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