Ho Chi Minh City, July 26, 2025 – The short film competition Inspiring Vietnam 2025 officially kicked off at Fulbright University Vietnam, co-hosted by the Nguyen-Phuong Family Foundation and Fulbright. Centered on the theme “Mental Health Among Youth”, the competition offers an inspiring creative platform for young voices from Vietnam and across Asia.
As part of the Inspiring Asia film festival series, outstanding entries from Vietnam will have the chance to compete at the regional finals in Singapore, with total prize value of USD 150,000.
Film as a Voice for Youth Mental Health
Globally, more than 20% of adolescents experience anxiety or depression, yet many continue to suffer in silence due to cultural stigma and limited access to support systems. Inspiring Vietnam 2025 aims to create a space where young people can truly be “seen”—where they can tell their stories, be heard, and feel empowered.
“As a judge, I hope to see authentic, emotionally resonant films that reflect the everyday mental and emotional challenges young people face but often hesitate to voice,” shared director Trịnh Đình Lê Minh. “Speak your truth with sincerity—it’s that honesty that gives a film its true power.”
A Spark of Inspiration: Film Screenings and Creative Workshops
The opening ceremony stirred deep emotions with screenings of three powerful short films:
- Cassie (Philippines) – the empowering story of a young woman who transformed her experience of online sexual abuse into a global call to protect children’s rights.
- When Was The Last Time You Hugged Your Father (Singapore) – a poignant documentary on reconnecting family bonds through a prison visitation program.
- Ripples of Kindness (Vietnam) – an inspiring account of how a single scholarship grew into VietSeeds and Heart and Mind Education, sparking a cycle of compassion and community transformation.
Participants also joined a hands-on short film scriptwriting workshop led by acclaimed creatives: directors Nguyễn Lương Hằng, Trịnh Đình Lê Minh, and screenwriter Nhi Bùi.
When Young Voices Are Heard
The event also gave a stage to aspiring filmmakers to share their visions:
Minh Như (Diviners Movement): “People often think meditation means sitting still, but it’s really about awareness in every moment. I want to create a film that brings mindfulness and inner connection closer to young audiences.”
Từ Khắc Đại (Young director): “Before choosing a story to tell, I want to truly listen and understand the mental health challenges youth face today. Only with empathy can I find the right story and way to tell it.”
Xanh Lục Dương (Filmmaker): “I’ll be revisiting a past short film that aligns with the theme, but I’m also planning to create something completely new. My perspective on mental health has shifted a lot since then.”
Phương Anh (Fulbright student): “My team is already working on an independent film project, and after learning about this competition, we got excited to join. We even have a title picked out already!”
Submit Your Film Today!
Young filmmakers across Vietnam are invited to submit short films (2–7 minutes) produced within the past 3 years. Submissions are open from July 14 to August 30, 2025.
👉 Submit your film/project here: LINK
Inspiring Vietnam 2025 is more than a competition—it’s a journey of storytelling, healing, and connection. Every film has the power to open minds, shift perspectives, and empower communities.
