BMW Malaysia hasrecently premiered ‘Flame of the Forest’, a BMW Shorties funded project by Krityishaa A/P Karunagaran, Grand Prize Winner of the BMW Shorties competition in 2024, during at the BMW Shorties Festival 2025.
The BMW Shorties is Malaysia’s longest-running arts and culture program for digital content, organized by BMW Group Malaysia. For 19 years, it has highlighted new storytellers in the country who are exploring creativity and social storytelling.
‘Flame of the Forest’ tells the story of a young nurse who, while supposed to be taking care of her grandmother, sneaks out for a moment of freedom. When she returns, she faces a loss that disrupts her family’s balance and her own identity. Set in the Malaysian Indian community in Kuala Terla, Cameron Highlands, the story looks at family traditions, cultural pride, and the desire for freedom within conservative family settings.
Through this project, Krityishaa captures the emotional tension of a young woman balancing personal desire and family expectations. ‘Flame of the Forest’ speaks to the struggle of defining oneself against tradition.
“’Flame of the Forest’ began with a completely different storyline but the more our co-writer, Gogu and I discussed the project, the more we shaped this story to what it is now and that this is the right story that is meant to be told, in this time and space. It is rewarding, confusing, exhausting, and liberating all at once. The project does not just represent the stories of the women around us, but also the men, the people whom we co-exist with, and the chaos that very often exists in our own minds,” said Krityishaa. “To have this story come to life through the BMW Shorties platform has been both humbling and empowering. It is a reminder of what storytelling can do – which is to help us see and be seen, in all our complexity.”
With over seven years as a director, writer, and producer, Ipoh-born Krityishaa has developed a unique voice as a Malaysian storyteller. Initially graduating in Biotechnology, she shifted to pursue her passion for storytelling, earning a degree in Digital Film and Television from Lim Kok Wing University.
Her work, including ‘Tomorrow is Spring (வருங்காலம் வசந்தகாலம்),’ has gained local and international accolades, winning the BMW Shorties 2024 Grand Prize and screening at festivals in Vietnam, Indonesia, Brunei, and Thailand.
As she continues to refine her craft, Krityishaa focuses on emotionally resonant work in films and commercials, reflecting the diverse experiences of Malaysians from all backgrounds.
Sashi Ambihaipahan, Director of Corporate Communications and Sustainability at BMW Group Malaysia, said, “Krityishaa has brought a remarkable depth and nuance to stories told from the communities present here in Malaysia, in not shying away from the tensions between tradition and self-discovery, and between the traditional family construct and values versus a more modern expression in the wants of today’s society. Her honesty and willingness to explore this complexity is what makes ‘Flame of the Forest’ so powerful, showing a maturity in storytelling that goes beyond technique. At BMW Group Malaysia, through the BMW Shorties platform, we are committed to championing local talent with this kind of creative courage and distinctive voice, creating space for stories that challenge perspectives and demonstrate the changing society of a developing culture.’
For more information on the BMW Shorties, visit the official website at www.bmwshorties.com.my, or follow the official BMW Shorties social channels on Facebook and Instagram.