artLIVE – The 6th season of the CJ Short Film Project continues to expand its support for short film directors with the introduction of Alumni Mentor. This new addition reinforces the program’s long-term and committed investment in nurturing young talent for the future of Vietnamese cinema.
Launched in 2018, the CJ Short Film Project has grown into a prestigious initiative, eagerly anticipated each year by Vietnam’s filmmaking community. Over the past five seasons, numerous short films produced through the program have been nominated and awarded at more than 60 renowned international film festivals, including Cannes, Berlin, Venice, and Locarno.
A continued commitment to comprehensive support
On the afternoon of June 25 at CGV Van Hanh Mall, the CJ Short Film Project 2025 was officially launched in a well-attended ceremony that brought together members of Vietnam’s vibrant filmmaking community. Organized annually by the CJ Cultural Foundation and CJ CGV Vietnam, the program offers up to 1.5 billion VND in production funding for the five most outstanding short film projects. Submissions are open until July 20, 2025.
Following the success of Season 5, this year’s contestants will continue to receive technical and post-production support from sponsors HK Film and Pixelsgarden. Additionally, they will participate in an intensive training course hosted by the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), which covers key aspects such as production management, directing, and film editing.
A distinguished panel of industry professionals, including directors Phan Đăng Di, Charlie Nguyễn, Trịnh Đình Lê Minh, Trần Thanh Huy, and producer Trần Thị Bích Ngọc, will continue to accompany the project, offering valuable mentorship and professional insights to support emerging filmmakers.
A major highlight of this year’s program is the introduction of an Alumni Mentor: director Phạm Ngọc Lân. For the first time, the program welcomes a dedicated mentor who will guide and support the Top 5 finalists through the process of submitting their films to prestigious international film festivals.
Phạm Ngọc Lân, one of the standout talents from Season 1 of the CJ Short Film Project in 2018, recently made headlines with his debut feature Cu Li Never Cries, which won the Best First Feature Award at the 2024 Berlin International Film Festival.
The 6th season of the CJ Short Film Project marks the highly anticipated return of Vietnam’s leading talent incubation competition for young filmmakers. At the launch event, the organizing committee and jury members took time to engage with aspiring participants, answering questions and offering insights into this year’s competition. The occasion served as a valuable opportunity for potential contestants to gain clarity, build confidence, and take the next step in turning their film ideas into reality.
Empowering young filmmakers to confidently express their creative voice
Over the years, the CJ Short Film Project has continuously expanded its comprehensive support system, aiming to create the most favorable conditions for young filmmakers to bring their short film ideas to life. With the theme “Expanding the Frame, Shining Brightly”, this year’s edition seeks to inspire a new generation of directors to confidently pursue their creative journeys.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Ko Jae Soo – CEO of CJ CGV Vietnam – shared:
“Looking back on our journey, we are immensely proud to see young directors from the CJ Short Film Project achieving remarkable success at prestigious international film festivals. This year, we hope to continue nurturing new stories, fresh perspectives, and passionate filmmakers who are ready to overcome challenges and boldly tell their own unique stories.”
Vietnam’s film industry continues to need more platforms and nurturing programs to support the next generation of directors. The CJ Short Film Project offers a rare and valuable opportunity, not only through its funding but also by providing mentorship, training, and meaningful connections with top industry professionals. It serves as a solid springboard for young filmmakers to confidently express their creative identity and make their mark on the international stage.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Đỗ Lệnh Hùng Tú, Chairman of the Vietnam Cinema Association, shared: “Over the past few years, I’ve had the opportunity to watch many outstanding short films produced within the CJ Short Film Project. I truly hope that with the guidance of acclaimed directors and producers, as well as the support from CJ CGV and the CJ Cultural Foundation, young Vietnamese filmmakers will have the chance to fully unleash their creativity and bring their film projects to life in the best possible way.”
The CJ Short Film Project is open to Vietnamese citizens between the ages of 18 and 40, particularly those who are passionate about filmmaking and looking for an opportunity to turn their script ideas into fully realized short films. After the application round, the Top 10 finalists will advance to the pitching round, scheduled for August 6, 2025.
Participants can find more information about the competition at https://duanphimngancj.cgv.vn or via the official Facebook page: Dự án phim ngắn CJ – CJ Short Film.
