This year's film festival attracted more than 100 entries in the categories of feature films, documentaries and animated films from units such as Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema, Van Lang University, FPT University and film studios...
In this year's season, the highest position (first prize) in the three main categories was awarded to outstanding works: the feature film Nghiệp (Karma), the documentary Người gieo mầm khát vọng Việt and the animated film Cuộc hồi hương kỳ diệu.
Giải Phóng Film Studio this year has created a special impression when owning two of the three most important awards of the film festival. The remaining first prize belonged to Nghiệp (Karma) film from Van Lang University.
Sharing about the movie Karma, young director Pham Huu Tri said that the film's idea was born when he read books about religion during the pandemic, when everyone was mentally tired. The books sparked in him the idea of a film exploiting the theme of local Buddhism in his hometown of Quy Nhon.
At the closing ceremony, the Organizing Committee also awarded second prizes to the works: Behind the Soldier (screenplay), Doctor in the Island Commune (documentary), Survival (animated film).
The third prize was awarded to the films: Taste Like Nothing, Scream, Color Mang Thit (feature film), Ong Enough, Two Lives in the Bell (documentary), Upstream, Stir Up the Void, Tangerine (animated film).
The consolation prize category honored the works: Scar, Illusion, Painful Region ( feature film); Immortal Moment, With Hands Embracing Clouds, 5 Teachings of Uncle Ho (documentary film) and Granny's Cake, To He, Pure Land (animated film).
Speaking to summarize the season, Meritorious Artist, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha said that most of the entries were made seriously, conveying positive energy and turning observations from life into vivid sounds and images. In particular, this Film Festival recognized the clear breakthrough of the authors in the experimental approach, application of technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to support the creative process.
First held in 2023, this year's Ho Chi Minh City Short Film Festival takes place in a special context when Ho Chi Minh City has just been recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City in the field of cinema on October 31, 2025. The event not only stops at a purely artistic playground but also firmly affirms its role as a launching pad for both professional and amateur filmmakers, contributing to realizing international commitments and strongly positioning the Ho Chi Minh City film brand on the world map.
