KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 6 — The Malaysia Animation Film Festival (MAFF) is back for its third edition, which will begin October 16 at selected GSC locations nationwide.
A collaborative initiative between GSC International Screens and the Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), MAFF serves as a dynamic platform dedicated to championing local animation talent.
The festival typically showcases short films that highlight a wide spectrum of creative voices — from emerging university students to seasoned professionals working in local studios.
“Now in its third year, GSC International Screens, in collaboration with MDEC, brings MAFF to life, reflecting our commitment to nurturing and strengthening talent within Malaysia’s creative industry,” said Koh Mei Lee, chief executive officer of Golden Screen Cinemas.
“We are dedicated to showcasing the incredible diversity and originality of Malaysian animation, and are proud to provide local creatives with a platform to shine on the big screen.
“These stories represent the heart of our industry’s future, and we’re thrilled to share them with the world on the big screens at GSC,” she added.
This year’s festival will showcase 15 compelling short animated films, whose theme centres on stories of self-discovery and emotional resilience, brought to life through bold imagination and distinct artistic voices.
Over 60 short films were submitted for MAFF 2025 where from which a panel of respected industry professionals — Alice Burden (creative producer, Toon2Tango), Mandeep Singh (executive producer, Tau Film), and Carlene Tan (senior director, Warner Bros. Discovery) — selected the top 15 for screening.
Featured Shorts at MAFF 2025:
Abah by Aqilah Rafiqah
Confictionary Crime by Tan Xin Yi
D’Sebalik by Nureen Qistina Binti Afandi
Following the Line by Ong Jia Yee
Generation by Yong Kim Pang and Raffael Sebastian Wandana
Hantu Runcit by Alicia Chu Ann Yee
Haun-t-uan by Muhammad Qayyum Bin Mohamad Khairul Azman
Kumang and the Ungrateful Python by Siew Chung Lee
Last Call by Amirul Iqram Ramli
Last Toy Standing by Jane Yap Chian Chian
Matriphagy by Heidi Yau Ryu Ying, Athira Hanita Shaumi
Puteh by Haziq Hilman
Relive by Jeremy Lim Ting Han
The Horizon by Francis Bong
Winter by Ma Jian Wei
Since its launch in 2023, MAFF has continued its mission to celebrate the creativity, diversity, and storytelling power of homegrown animation, with the 2025 edition promising another exciting lineup.
As one of the country’s leading platforms for animated content, MAFF offers audiences a meaningful opportunity to engage with local perspectives through world-class storytelling.
These 15 films aren’t just stories — they’re proof that the future of global animation has a Malaysian voice, and it’s loud, proud, and unforgettable.
For more info on screening location and story synopsis of the animation, you can visit https://www.gsc.com.my/international-screens/film-festival/malaysia-animation-film-festival-2025-maff/
