SULUH, produced by Muhammad Mujahid, emerged as the biggest winner at the inaugural CUT! short horror film competition, securing nine awards, including Best Horror Film, Best Director, Best Cinematography and Best Screenplay.
Organised by Ampersand Advisory, the nationwide competition concluded with SCREAMING NIGHT: CUT! Awards & Screening at GSC, Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, on 30 October 2026, bringing together emerging filmmakers, industry judges and members of Malaysia's creative community.
The inaugural competition received 40 submissions, with 24 short films shortlisted for the final showcase. Participants were challenged to tell a compelling horror story in under five minutes, testing their ability to develop narratives, create suspense and demonstrate filmmaking skills within a limited running time.
The awards recognised achievements across 20 categories, covering overall film quality, directing, cinematography, editing, acting, music, screenplay and other aspects of production.
The top prize included RM10,000 and Canon imaging equipment, while other cash awards ranged from RM1,000 to RM7,500 for the main placing and special categories.
Following the competition's first edition, Ampersand Advisory has also confirmed plans for CUT! 2, with the next competition's submission deadline scheduled for 27 April 2027.
Organised by Ampersand Advisory, the nationwide competition concluded with SCREAMING NIGHT: CUT! Awards & Screening at GSC, Mid Valley Megamall, Kuala Lumpur, on 30 October 2026, bringing together emerging filmmakers, industry judges and members of Malaysia's creative community.
The inaugural competition received 40 submissions, with 24 short films shortlisted for the final showcase. Participants were challenged to tell a compelling horror story in under five minutes, testing their ability to develop narratives, create suspense and demonstrate filmmaking skills within a limited running time.
The awards recognised achievements across 20 categories, covering overall film quality, directing, cinematography, editing, acting, music, screenplay and other aspects of production.
The top prize included RM10,000 and Canon imaging equipment, while other cash awards ranged from RM1,000 to RM7,500 for the main placing and special categories.
Following the competition's first edition, Ampersand Advisory has also confirmed plans for CUT! 2, with the next competition's submission deadline scheduled for 27 April 2027.
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| The team behind SULUH celebrates winning Best Horror Film and eight additional awards at SCREAMING NIGHT: CUT! Awards & Screening. Photo: Ampersand Advisory. |
SULUH Dominates CUT! 2026 With Nine Awards
SULUH led the winners at the inaugural competition, securing the Best Horror Film title and a prize package comprising RM10,000 and Canon imaging equipment.
The film also won eight additional awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Scare, Best Costume, Best Hair & Make-Up and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, which was awarded to Nur Humaira.
Muhammad Mujahid was credited as the producer of SULUH in the competition's official winners list, which also associated the film with its directing, cinematography, editing and screenplay awards.
The result made SULUH the most decorated production of the evening, recognised for both its storytelling and technical execution.
The second-place award went to NIZHAL, produced by Divakaran Manivarnam, which received RM7,500. The film also earned two acting awards, with Thurgga Sharon winning Best Actress in a Leading Role and Kuhan Vijayakumar receiving Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
FREKUENSI, produced by Muhammad Wafiq bin Azaizula, secured third place and RM5,000.
Two additional finalists, MIMICRY by Haevindhran Pillay and SANNIDHI by Sunder Thevaraj R., each received RM1,500. MIMICRY also won Best Use of Music.
Meanwhile, SANDARAN MANZIL from KKTM Rembau, produced by Muhammad Harith Irfan bin Azlan, received Best Student Film and Best Film Shot Entirely on Phone.
Taylor's University was recognised for submitting the highest number of entries from a single university, earning RM3,000.
SULUH led the winners at the inaugural competition, securing the Best Horror Film title and a prize package comprising RM10,000 and Canon imaging equipment.
The film also won eight additional awards for Best Director, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, Best Screenplay, Best Scare, Best Costume, Best Hair & Make-Up and Best Actress in a Supporting Role, which was awarded to Nur Humaira.
Muhammad Mujahid was credited as the producer of SULUH in the competition's official winners list, which also associated the film with its directing, cinematography, editing and screenplay awards.
The result made SULUH the most decorated production of the evening, recognised for both its storytelling and technical execution.
The second-place award went to NIZHAL, produced by Divakaran Manivarnam, which received RM7,500. The film also earned two acting awards, with Thurgga Sharon winning Best Actress in a Leading Role and Kuhan Vijayakumar receiving Best Actor in a Supporting Role.
FREKUENSI, produced by Muhammad Wafiq bin Azaizula, secured third place and RM5,000.
Two additional finalists, MIMICRY by Haevindhran Pillay and SANNIDHI by Sunder Thevaraj R., each received RM1,500. MIMICRY also won Best Use of Music.
Meanwhile, SANDARAN MANZIL from KKTM Rembau, produced by Muhammad Harith Irfan bin Azlan, received Best Student Film and Best Film Shot Entirely on Phone.
Taylor's University was recognised for submitting the highest number of entries from a single university, earning RM3,000.
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| Canon Marketing Malaysia representatives Anif Shah (EOS Specialist) and Edward Chang (Head of Image Communication Business Division) present an award to Muhammad Mujahid, representing SULUH. Photo: Ampersand Advisory. |
CUT! 2026 Winners: Full List of 20 Award Categories
The competition recognised the following films and recipients across its 20 award categories:
The inclusion of a category for films shot entirely on a phone also acknowledged productions made using more accessible filming equipment.
The competition recognised the following films and recipients across its 20 award categories:
- Best Horror Film (RM10,000 and Canon equipment): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Second Place (RM7,500): NIZHAL, Divakaran Manivarnam.
- Third Place (RM5,000): FREKUENSI, Muhammad Wafiq bin Azaizula.
- Finalist 1 (RM1,500): MIMICRY, Haevindhran Pillay.
- Finalist 2 (RM1,500): SANNIDHI, Sunder Thevaraj R.
- Most Submissions by One University (RM3,000): Taylor's University.
- Best Student Film (RM1,000): SANDARAN MANZIL, Muhammad Harith Irfan bin Azlan, KKTM Rembau.
- Best Director (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Cinematography (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Editing (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Use of Music (RM1,000): MIMICRY, Haevindhran Pillay.
- Best Screenplay (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Film Shot Entirely on Phone (RM1,000): SANDARAN MANZIL, Muhammad Harith Irfan bin Azlan.
- Best Scare (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Costume (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Hair & Make-Up (RM1,000): SULUH, Muhammad Mujahid.
- Best Actor in a Leading Role (RM1,000): Liishvaar, RESULT, produced by Dineswaren Rajan.
- Best Actress in a Leading Role (RM1,000): Thurgga Sharon, NIZHAL, produced by Divakaran Manivarnam.
- Best Actor in a Supporting Role (RM1,000): Kuhan Vijayakumar, NIZHAL, produced by Divakaran Manivarnam.
- Best Actress in a Supporting Role (RM1,000): Nur Humaira, SULUH, produced by Muhammad Mujahid.
The inclusion of a category for films shot entirely on a phone also acknowledged productions made using more accessible filming equipment.
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| Guests, judges, award winners, shortlisted filmmakers and event partners gather for a group photograph at SCREAMING NIGHT: CUT! Awards & Screening, held at GSC Mid Valley Megamall. Photo: Ampersand Advisory. |
Ampersand Advisory Aims to Develop Malaysia's Next Generation of Filmmakers
Sandeep Joseph, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ampersand Advisory, said the inaugural competition had demonstrated the range of creative talent among Malaysia's emerging filmmakers.
"When we launched CUT!, we believed Malaysia had a wealth of untapped filmmaking talent waiting for the right opportunity. The originality and expressiveness we've seen throughout this competition have proved us right. SULUH and the other winning films demonstrate that compelling storytelling, imagination and technical craft are very much alive among our emerging filmmakers."
He explained that the competition was created to provide exposure and practical opportunities for aspiring filmmakers beyond the recognition associated with winning awards.
"CUT! was never intended to be just another competition. We want it to be a launchpad for Malaysian talent, giving promising filmmakers the exposure and opportunities to take their craft further. As a filmmaker myself, I know how important that first opportunity can be. We have made a promising start, but there is much more to do. With CUT! 2, we hope to discover even more original voices and see more Malaysian stories travel beyond our shores. We appreciate Canon's support greatly. And we would also invite other corporate sponsors to come aboard and help grow the next generation of Malaysian film talent."
By providing a cinema screening for 24 shortlisted films and bringing participants together with industry professionals, CUT! offered emerging filmmakers an opportunity to present their work to an audience beyond online platforms.
Sandeep Joseph, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ampersand Advisory, said the inaugural competition had demonstrated the range of creative talent among Malaysia's emerging filmmakers.
"When we launched CUT!, we believed Malaysia had a wealth of untapped filmmaking talent waiting for the right opportunity. The originality and expressiveness we've seen throughout this competition have proved us right. SULUH and the other winning films demonstrate that compelling storytelling, imagination and technical craft are very much alive among our emerging filmmakers."
He explained that the competition was created to provide exposure and practical opportunities for aspiring filmmakers beyond the recognition associated with winning awards.
"CUT! was never intended to be just another competition. We want it to be a launchpad for Malaysian talent, giving promising filmmakers the exposure and opportunities to take their craft further. As a filmmaker myself, I know how important that first opportunity can be. We have made a promising start, but there is much more to do. With CUT! 2, we hope to discover even more original voices and see more Malaysian stories travel beyond our shores. We appreciate Canon's support greatly. And we would also invite other corporate sponsors to come aboard and help grow the next generation of Malaysian film talent."
By providing a cinema screening for 24 shortlisted films and bringing participants together with industry professionals, CUT! offered emerging filmmakers an opportunity to present their work to an audience beyond online platforms.
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| Sandeep Joseph, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ampersand Advisory, discusses the competition's role in supporting emerging Malaysian filmmaking talent. Photo: Ampersand Advisory. |
Canon Malaysia Supports CUT! With Imaging Equipment
Canon Marketing Malaysia participated as CUT!'s Official Imaging Partner, contributing imaging equipment as prizes to help winning filmmakers continue developing their craft.
Edward Chang, Head of Image Communication Business Division at Canon Marketing Malaysia, said the partnership was intended to support creativity and technical development among aspiring filmmakers.
"At Canon, we believe that powerful storytelling begins with imagination, and the right technology helps bring that vision to life. Through our partnership with CUT!, we are proud to support aspiring Malaysian filmmakers as they explore new ways to tell their stories, express their creativity, and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. The originality and technical skills demonstrated by this year's participants are encouraging, and we hope the Canon imaging equipment awarded will help the winners further hone their craft and bring even more compelling Malaysian stories to the screen."
Canon representatives, including Edward Chang and Anif Shah, EOS Specialist at Canon Marketing Malaysia, were involved in the awards presentation, recognising the filmmakers' achievements and technical contributions.
Industry Judges Include Leaders From Media Prima, Astro Shaw and Komet
The competition's judging panel brought together professionals from Malaysia's television, film, imaging and creative industries.
The five judges were:
The finale also featured a panel discussion involving industry representatives, including Nor Shahila Harun Shah, Senior General Manager of In-house Productions at Media Prima Television Networks, with Chacko Vadaketh serving as moderator and emcee.
Canon Marketing Malaysia participated as CUT!'s Official Imaging Partner, contributing imaging equipment as prizes to help winning filmmakers continue developing their craft.
Edward Chang, Head of Image Communication Business Division at Canon Marketing Malaysia, said the partnership was intended to support creativity and technical development among aspiring filmmakers.
"At Canon, we believe that powerful storytelling begins with imagination, and the right technology helps bring that vision to life. Through our partnership with CUT!, we are proud to support aspiring Malaysian filmmakers as they explore new ways to tell their stories, express their creativity, and push the boundaries of visual storytelling. The originality and technical skills demonstrated by this year's participants are encouraging, and we hope the Canon imaging equipment awarded will help the winners further hone their craft and bring even more compelling Malaysian stories to the screen."
Canon representatives, including Edward Chang and Anif Shah, EOS Specialist at Canon Marketing Malaysia, were involved in the awards presentation, recognising the filmmakers' achievements and technical contributions.
Industry Judges Include Leaders From Media Prima, Astro Shaw and Komet
The competition's judging panel brought together professionals from Malaysia's television, film, imaging and creative industries.
The five judges were:
- Nini Yusof: Chief Executive Officer of Media Prima Television Networks and Primeworks Studios.
- Raja Jastina Raja Arshad: Head of Astro Shaw.
- Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar: Chief Explorer of Komet.
- Anif Shah: EOS Specialist at Canon Marketing Malaysia.
- Sandeep Joseph: Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Ampersand Advisory.
The finale also featured a panel discussion involving industry representatives, including Nor Shahila Harun Shah, Senior General Manager of In-house Productions at Media Prima Television Networks, with Chacko Vadaketh serving as moderator and emcee.
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| A panel discussion at SCREAMING NIGHT: CUT! Awards & Screening featured (from left) Chacko Vadaketh, Datuk Ahmad Izham Omar, Nor Shahila Harun Shah, Anif Shah and Sandeep Joseph. Photo: Ampersand Advisory. |
From Sup Daging to CUT!: How the Competition Began
CUT! developed from Ampersand Advisory's earlier exploration of Malaysian storytelling, including the psychological horror short film Sup Daging, released in March 2026 in conjunction with International Women's Day.
The film was conceptualised by the agency's Gen Z talents, Maimunah Wahab and Chloee Pang, and produced with cinematographer Farhan Syaza and his team using Canon cameras.
According to Ampersand Advisory, Sup Daging had accumulated more than 750,000 online views as of October 2026.
While the film began as an internal creative project, CUT! expanded the opportunity to aspiring filmmakers across Malaysia, inviting them to submit original horror stories for evaluation by industry professionals.
Its inaugural season culminated in the cinema screening of 24 shortlisted films and the presentation of awards to productions recognised for their storytelling and technical achievements.
CUT! developed from Ampersand Advisory's earlier exploration of Malaysian storytelling, including the psychological horror short film Sup Daging, released in March 2026 in conjunction with International Women's Day.
The film was conceptualised by the agency's Gen Z talents, Maimunah Wahab and Chloee Pang, and produced with cinematographer Farhan Syaza and his team using Canon cameras.
According to Ampersand Advisory, Sup Daging had accumulated more than 750,000 online views as of October 2026.
While the film began as an internal creative project, CUT! expanded the opportunity to aspiring filmmakers across Malaysia, inviting them to submit original horror stories for evaluation by industry professionals.
Its inaugural season culminated in the cinema screening of 24 shortlisted films and the presentation of awards to productions recognised for their storytelling and technical achievements.
 |
| Sup Daging, a psychological horror short film released by Ampersand Advisory in March 2026, helped lay the groundwork for the CUT! filmmaking competition. Photo: Ampersand Advisory. |
CUT! 2 Announced With 27 April 2027 Submission Deadline
Following the inaugural competition, Ampersand Advisory is preparing a second edition, CUT! 2, with submissions expected to open soon.
The next competition will retain an online-based submission format, allowing aspiring filmmakers from across Malaysia to participate without the need to attend an initial physical audition or screening.
The organiser has confirmed 27 April 2027 as the submission deadline for CUT! 2.
Further details, including the opening date for entries, eligibility criteria, updated competition rules and prize categories, were not specified in the supplied announcement.
The second edition is intended to continue providing emerging Malaysian filmmakers with opportunities to showcase original stories and develop their filmmaking experience.
Following the inaugural competition, Ampersand Advisory is preparing a second edition, CUT! 2, with submissions expected to open soon.
The next competition will retain an online-based submission format, allowing aspiring filmmakers from across Malaysia to participate without the need to attend an initial physical audition or screening.
The organiser has confirmed 27 April 2027 as the submission deadline for CUT! 2.
Further details, including the opening date for entries, eligibility criteria, updated competition rules and prize categories, were not specified in the supplied announcement.
The second edition is intended to continue providing emerging Malaysian filmmakers with opportunities to showcase original stories and develop their filmmaking experience.
