The 3rd Raintown Film Festival Kicks Off, “Raintown Short Film Competition 2026” Now Open for Submissions with Theme “After the Rain”!
By KT Leong
In line with Visit Malaysia Year 2026, the 3rd Raintown Film Festival is scheduled for early September. Over the three-day festival, films shot in Taiping will be screened alongside a documentary talk on the relocation of Terong SJK (C) Aik Hua, a government-funded project previously announced by Deputy Minister of Education Wong Kah Woh. Guided tours of Taiping Hill will also be offered, giving audiences a chance to explore the town’s unique charm beyond the screen.
Building on the success of the Raintown Short Film Competition 2025, which attracted 103 filmmakers including high school students, film students, emerging directors, established filmmakers, and even retirees, the 2026 competition is now open for submissions with the theme “After the Rain”, inviting creators to tell stories inspired by after the rain.
Submissions close on 14 June 2026. 20 shortlisted films will be screened during the festival, with the Best Short Film receiving RM8,000. Additional awards are sponsored by leading brands and companies including CK Music, GoPro, Logitech, N4 Camera Store Sdn Bhd, Ulanzi, and Lumos, encouraging continued creativity.
Founded in 2024 by Malaysian filmmaker Jacky Yeap, the Raintown Film Festival is held annually in Taiping, Perak. The festival screens local films and hosts film talks, workshops, outdoor screenings, and guided tours, allowing audiences to enjoy Malaysian cinema while exploring Taiping, also known as Raintown, the wettest town in Malaysia. Audience numbers have grown steadily since its launch, attracting film enthusiasts from across the country.
As a key cultural platform for film, the festival not only promotes Taiping but also organizes the Raintown Short Film Competition, providing a space for creators to engage with audiences. Exchanges with experienced filmmakers inspire young and emerging talent, enhance work quality, expand collaboration opportunities, and cultivate audience appreciation of film.
The 3rd Raintown Film Festival is presented by West Coast Expressway, organized by the Raintown Film Festival Committee in collaboration with WuBen Film Magazine, co-organized by Studio 1914, and supported by PORT Ipoh under the Perak Creative Fund. For more information, follow the festival’s official Facebook page Raintown Film Festival or contact raintownfilmfestival@gmail.com .
Submission Guidelines:
Theme: After The Rain
Genre: Any (Fiction / Documentary / Animation / Others)
Duration: 10 Mins or less
Language: Any (Please include English Subtitles)
Format & Resolution: H.264 MP4/MOV, 1920×1080 or above
Nationality: Malaysian only
Deadline: 14th June 2026 11:59PM
Submission: https://www.ckmusic.com.my/rff-2026 or scan the QR code on the poster
