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. They were then rated by 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).

The final list of 15 was chosen by MAFF founder Kim Ooi.

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/