Finding young talents committed to a long-term career in cinema

The Vietnamese Short Film Competition - Vietnamese 2026 is organized by Thanh Nien Newspaper in collaboration with the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), with the support of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports. Building on the success of the previous two seasons, the 3rd season of Vietnamese continues to serve as a platform to discover and support young filmmakers, introducing their debut works to the public.

The closing and awards ceremony of Vietnamese was attended by Mr. Bui Minh Thanh, Member of the Standing Committee of the HCMC Party Committee and Vice Chairman of the HCMC People's Committee; Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association, former Director of the Vietnam Cinema Department, and Chair of the competition's jury; Ms. Le Minh Tam, Vice Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association; and Mr. Dinh Trong Tuan, Standing Member of the Vietnam Film Development Association and former Editor-in-Chief of The Gioi Dien Anh (World of Cinema) Magazine.

Additionally, the event featured the presence of director Nguyen Quang Dung; actress and director Hong Anh; director Ham Tran; Dr. Pham Tan Nghia, Chairman of VIAS Capital; Ms. Trinh Thi Bich Hang, Chairwoman of the Board of Hai Vuong Group; director Le Thien Vien; cinematographer K’Linh; actress and producer Thu Trang; screenwriter Tran Khanh Hoang; actor Hua Vi Van; actress Nha Phuong; and Miss Vietnam 2022 and actress Doan Thien An...

Speaking at the awards ceremony, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper, stated that after three seasons, the Vietnamese Short Film Competition has not only discovered excellent works but is also witnessing a young generation eager to tell their own stories through cinema. These may be stories about family, memories, or their homeland; they could also be the very personal concerns of today's youth. There are simple films, experimental films, and new explorations in imagery, sound, and storytelling.

According to journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, in discussions with Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan and the jury, the organizing committee noted that the quality of films this season was quite consistent, with a diversity of themes and storytelling styles, and notably, a wealth of emotion packed into short-duration narratives. The jurors also appreciated the new explorations and progress in visual language shown in the entries, while emphasizing the elements that create a film's lasting vitality: the story, the characters, and the empathy with the audience.

“I believe these perspectives complement each other and offer valuable suggestions for young people on their professional journey. While today's technology makes filmmaking more accessible, it is a good story that makes the audience want to watch until the very last second,” said the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan noted that since Thanh Nien Newspaper and the Vietnam Film Development Association began organizing the Vietnamese competition, the organizers have always held the belief that a short film competition should not end at the awards ceremony, but rather serve as a door opening to a path...

In recent years, there have been an increasing number of playgrounds for short films. This is a welcome sign, as more opportunities provide young people with more space to experiment and enter the world of cinema. However, the Vietnamese competition was built with a greater goal: not just to find good films, but to find individuals capable of a long-term career in cinema. From there, Vietnamese aims to create a journey where a film is seen, a young filmmaker is recognized, and a work has the opportunity to reach a wide audience, film festivals, and industry professionals after the competition.

“Therefore, what we care about is where the film will go after the competition and what doors might open next. This is also where the two strengths of Thanh Nien Newspaper and the Vietnam Film Development Association meet—journalism brings new stories to the public, while cinema creates spaces for works to be introduced, connected, and taken further,” shared journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan.

Although it has only been through three seasons, Vietnamese has already created promising signals. For example, director Hung Tran, who previously participated in the competition with the work 'Mong' (Dream), now has his debut feature film 'Lau Chu Hoa' (The Fire Master's Mansion). Or the project 'Mam Nho' (Sprouts of Memory) by Bui Duc Anh, which was honored with a Golden Kite Award and introduced at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival. Other films from Vietnamese such as 'Giay Gio' (Wind Shoes), 'Con Ca Nho' (Little Fish), and 'Dieu Ngot Ngao O Lai' (The Sweetness That Remains) also had the opportunity to reach this festival. These journeys prove that what the competition can do is create more opportunities, giving young people the confidence to make their second film.

Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan expressed his appreciation for the intergenerational encounters at Vietnamese. A prime example is People's Artist Hong Van participating in a competition entry. Meanwhile, director Hong Anh hopes to soon meet the young faces of Vietnamese in future films as true colleagues. “We think that is the most beautiful image we all wish to create from a competition,” the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper expressed.

This year, out of 171 submitted works, 145 were eligible, and 20 advanced to the final round to select the outstanding projects for awards. As an organizer, journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan believes that the more important figure is how many of these young people will go on to make their next film and potentially debut their first feature film.

“Therefore, we want to convey to you that: today, your film may not have won an award, but you have gained something that no one can take away—you have started. Keep your curiosity, your courage; keep your unique voice and continue making films,” the Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper advised.