Kuala Lumpur, 9th September 2024 – The BMW Shorties, Malaysia’s most prestigious and longest-running initiative for creative digital content creation by BMW Group Malaysia, premiered Sometimes Feels Like Summer, the latest highly-anticipated BMW-funded creative project by 2023 Grand Prize Winner, Ikram Haizammuri.
Sometimes Feels Like Summer, (Adakala Terik Musim Tengkujuh) paints an evocative coming-of-age tale, following the journey of a young girl as she navigates the turbulent waters of self-discovery. Set against the backdrop of a rural development area, where the beauty of the landscape is often tempered by its challenges, the film explores the delicate balance between traditional values and the uncertainties of modern adolescence.
As the protagonist stands at the threshold of adulthood, she finds herself pulled into a world that is both alien and alluring, exploring the multifaceted nature of identity and showcasing a nuanced exploration of youth on the fringes of society.
Kuantan-born director Ikram Haizammuri expressed his appreciation to the BMW Shorties for providing him the unique opportunity to share his vision for a story that resonates with the hearts of many in the margins of society, a world in which he feels is often at odds with itself.
“From the start, I knew that this film would be a deeply personal project for me, one that is inspired by the universal journey of discovering one’s identity. As with many of my previous work, including All Who Leave Go There, this film is a tribute to the yearning for self-understanding and the stark realities of life that the youth in rural settings face. I am incredibly grateful to the BMW Shorties for giving me the platform to bring this story to life, allowing me to share a narrative that is both intimate and universally relatable. Their support has allowed me to turn this vision into a project I am truly proud of, and I’m honoured to contribute to the rich tapestry of voices that the BMW Shorties continues to champion,” Ikram said.
Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, said, “Sometimes Feels Like Summer is a snapshot of the stories and realities of Malaysian life. It is beautifully crafted creative endeavour that captures the innocence of youth and the complexities of growing up in that seems to be continually pushing us forward, whether we will it to or not. It’s a narrative that touches on the values we champion at BMW Group Malaysia—celebrating the diverse voices that make up the fabric of our society and providing a platform for these stories to be told.”
He added, “Every year, our BMW Shorties grand prize winners continue to grow and astound us with their creativity and commitment to meaningful storytelling. Ikram Haizammuri’s work is a testament to the power of uplifting local talent in shaping the future of the Malaysian creative scene, and we are proud to support him and other creatives who dare to explore the uncharted narratives of our society, telling their stories.”
The BMW Shorties returns in 2024 with the theme, PULSE – as it continues to encourage local creative content creators to dive deep into their passions, and find the pulse of their creative drive.
Submissions for the BMW Shorties 2024 are open from now until the 30th of September at www.bmwshorties.com.my. More information on this year’s competition and future event updates can be found at the same website, or
or the official BMW Shorties Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bmwshorties and Instagram page at www.instagram.com/bmwshorties.
