CinemaWorld is stepping into the digital era with the launch of its new CinemaSHORT YouTube Channel, a platform dedicated to amplifying Asia’s rising filmmaking voices and giving short films a life beyond the festival circuit.
Announced at the CinemaSHORT Asian Short Film Competition Awards Gala on 10 October, the launch marks a major step in CinemaWorld’s mission to connect Asian filmmakers with global audiences. The channel — youtube.com/@CinemaSHORTAsia — will release new short films weekly through its On-Demand section, starting with this year’s shortlisted titles.
By harnessing YouTube’s global reach, CinemaSHORT aims to bring “Bold Asian Stories” from local screens to living rooms worldwide. The platform will serve as both a viewing destination and a creative hub for filmmakers and audiences hungry for authentic Asian storytelling.
“We believe a powerful film is one that lingers in the minds of its viewers long after the credits roll,” said Suarina Chua, Co-CEO of CinemaWorld. “With CinemaSHORT, we’re creating a space where those stories can continue to live, inspire and be shared across borders.”
Beyond streaming films, CinemaSHORT also plans to serve as a resource hub — hosting filmmaker interviews, creative insights, and industry collaborations to support emerging talent across Asia.
The launch follows the second edition of the CinemaSHORT Asian Short Film Competition, which drew 699 submissions from 25 territories, highlighting the depth and diversity of the region’s creative landscape.
Celebrating Asian Filmmaking at the CinemaSHORT Awards Gala
The new channel was unveiled during the competition’s Awards Gala Night in Singapore, where filmmakers, industry insiders and media gathered to celebrate Asia’s best emerging talent.
Chinese filmmaker Tang Wendi took home Best Narrative Short Film for Fishtank, praised for its imaginative and cinematic storytelling. Taiwan’s Lin Yi-Ling won Best Animation Short Film with Stacy, while Singapore’s Jerold Lim’s One Last Supper scored both the Audience Choice and Singapore Spotlight (Mediacorp) Awards — earning Lim passes to the Singapore International Film Festival and a fully sponsored trip to the Talents Hub at Jakarta Film Week.
Searching for Sol (Philippines), Once Upon a Time There Was a Mountain (Hong Kong), and Matriphagy (Malaysia) received Jury Awards, while Vietnam’s How An Apocalypse Ends was given a Special Mention for its daring, genre-bending storytelling.
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Complementing the awards, CinemaWorld also hosted a filmmaking masterclass led by Ajoomma (2022) co-writer Kris Ong, offering practical insights on transforming ideas into screen-ready stories.
A New Chapter for Asian Film
For over a decade, CinemaWorld has been a key advocate for Asian cinema, curating international films for regional audiences while championing Asian filmmakers on the world stage.
With the launch of the CinemaSHORT YouTube Channel, the network is redefining how Asian stories are shared and celebrated — ensuring that bold, original voices from across the region don’t just make it to the screen, but stay in the global conversation.
“CinemaSHORT isn’t just a platform,” said Chua. “It’s a bridge — connecting Asia’s storytellers with the world.”
