‘Guang’ by Quek Shio Chuan wins 2011 BMW Shorties

'Guang' by Quek Shio Chuan, an inspiring 14-minute short film based on the true story of his autistic brother, was announced as the winner in a night of glitz and glamor at the BMW Shorties 2011 Gala Premiere today. His winning entry, emerged ahead of 113 other submissions to receive the grand prize award and a production grant of RM75,000.

The 25-year-old Line Producer who works at a local commercial production house, also walked away with an exclusive Sony Handycam® NEX-VG20E system worth RM15,000, which was awarded by Sony Malaysia.

"With Guang, I wanted to create more awareness about people with autism. Especially in small towns like where I come from, many people are not aware of the disorder and more often than not, people with autism are labelled as retarded or weird. They may have learning difficulties or struggle with social interaction, but they are special and exceptionally talented in their own ways," said Quek Shio Chuan.

Chosen by a distinguished panel of judges, the heart-warming short film was recognized for its brilliant screenplay and as such was also granted the Best Screenplay Award, on top of its nominations for Best Cinematography, Best Production Design as well as Best Editing.

Chen Chong Wei who played the lead role as Wen Guang, a boy with autism and attention deficiency disorder who struggles with social interaction and has difficulties performing day-to-day obligations, earned the Best Actor Award for his outstanding performance in the winning film.

Meanwhile, the Best Actress Award was received by Eagavalli Nayagiammal for her stunning role as Mayamal in ''2012: Mayamal Calendar' by Rajindran Raja - a short film about a mother in an old folks home who tries to save her family at all cost when she finds out the world is coming to an end.

On the other hand, Haruld Goh walked away with the Best Cinematography Award for his use of lighting, camera choices and composition in the production of 'Breathe'. The dark psycho thriller directed by Tan Hyon-Lè was also nominated for Best Production Design, Best Editing and Best Sound Design.

The full list of award winners for the BMW Shorties 2011 are:

Grand Prize Award: Quek Shio Chuan for 'Guang'

People's Choice Award: Tan Ce Ding for 'How to Write I Love You'

Best Screenplay Award: Quek Shio Chuan for 'Guang'

Best Sound Design Award: Anne Lee for 'Guang'

Best Actor Award: Chen Chong Wei for 'Guang'

Best Actress Award: Eagavalli Nayagiammal for '2012: Mayamal Calendar'

Best Cinematography Award: Haruld Goh for 'Breathe'

Best Editing Award: Moh Chee Loong for 'Let the Plastic Fly'

Best Production Design Award: Chan Hong Yu for 'Time = Joy'

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