Taylor’s University Film Festival 2025: Empowering and Showcasing the Next Generation of Global Filmmakers

The Taylor’s University Film Festival (TUFF) 2025 reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to advancing excellence in creative arts education. Since its inception in 2019, TUFF has grown into one of the region’s most distinguished university-led film festivals. The fifth edition, organised in partnership with Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), featured a week-long series of workshops, screenings, and industry engagements, culminating in an awards ceremony at GSC The Starling Mall.

TUFF 2025 continued to emphasise high standards of creativity, innovation, and storytelling. Students participated in a suite of masterclasses and exhibitions conducted by prominent industry partners, including Ace Motion Pictures, Red Communications, Up Studio, Blankslate, and Broadview Tech. These engagements provided participants with valuable exposure to professional workflows, industry expectations, and contemporary filmmaking practices. The collaboration with GSC further strengthened the experiential learning component by enabling students to plan and execute a full-scale event within a professional cinema environment.

The festival received more than 110 submissions from Malaysia, Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, China, the United States, and the United Kingdom. This diverse and international pool of entries underscored TUFF’s growing reputation as a platform for cross-cultural exchange and creative dialogue. Screenings held on campus and at GSC venues showcased a broad spectrum of narratives addressing themes of identity, human experience, and evolving social realities.

Excellence in student work was recognised through award categories such as Best Film, Best Director, Best Narrative, Best Cinematography, Best Editing, and the Audience Choice Award. The judging panel, comprising distinguished figures including Dato’ Kamil Othman, Aziz M. Osman, Dr Joe Qiao Li, Khairi Anwar, Renee Pillai, and Kelvin Tan, provided professional assessment and constructive critique, enriching the learning experience for all participants.

TUFF 2025 stands as a testament to Taylor’s University’s leadership in the field of media and communication. Through robust industry partnerships, international participation, and a strong commitment to experiential learning, the festival continues to equip students with the skills, perspectives, and confidence required to excel in the global film industry. As TUFF’s prominence continues to grow, it remains an integral platform for fostering innovation and cultivating the next generation of filmmakers.