artLIVE – The CJ Short Film Project 2025 continues to support a new generation of Vietnamese directors with an intensive training course from August 18-22. The top five projects received direct mentorship from Vietnamese and Korean film experts, providing crucial preparation for the young filmmakers as they enter the production phase.
From August 18-22, the CJ Cultural Foundation and CJ CGV Vietnam collaborated with the Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA) to host an intensive training course for the top five directors of the CJ Short Film Project 2025. This marks the third consecutive year KAFA has partnered to nurture young talents in Vietnamese cinema since 2023.
Perfecting scripts and production skills with experts
Over five days, the young directors and their teams presented their short film projects in detail, receiving in-depth feedback from the faculty. The course didn’t just focus on screenwriting; it also provided practical knowledge on a range of topics, including directing actors, production management and cinematography. These lessons served as vital tools, helping the filmmakers feel more confident as they moved into the production stage.
Leading film experts provide direct instruction
The training was led by respected figures in the Vietnamese and Korean film industries, including directors Phan Dang Di and Pham Ngoc Lan, director Shin Ah Ga, producer Kim Jee Yeon and cinematographer Choi Ju Young.
KAFA cinematographer Choi Ju Young shared: “This is my third year in Vietnam for the CJ Short Film Project. I hope the directors will be persistent and put all their passion into completing their work. With enough effort, every challenge will become a short film to be proud of“.
Participating as a lecturer for the first time, director Shin Ah Ga expressed: “Although our time was short, I really enjoyed working with the young filmmakers. I felt their positive energy and intense love for cinema and I look forward to seeing their work on screen soon“.
A launchpad for Vietnamese film talent
At the conclusion of the course, the five outstanding projects—Những Ngày Xanh Thẳm (Vu Trung Duc), Lạch Cạch (Le Hoang), Behind The Sin (Cam Duc Hiep), Giấc Mơ Là Ốc Sên (Nguyen Thien An) and Made in Vietnam (Nguyen Duy Anh)—officially received a production grant worth 1.5 billion VND (300 million VND per project).
Director Nguyen Duy Anh of the Made in Vietnam project shared: “I received so many valuable suggestions. Thanks to that, I have a clearer vision for my script and the direction of my short film“.
A representative from the organizing committee, Min Hee-Kyung, Vice President and Global Director of Social Contribution Programs for CJ Group, shared: “Since 2023, we have partnered with KAFA to bring this intensive training program to Vietnam. With the passion of these young directors combined with the systematic experience from KAFA, we believe the CJ Short Film Project will continue to be a unique environment for nurturing cinematic talent“.
Since its launch in 2018, the CJ Short Film Project, organized by the CJ Cultural Foundation and CGV Vietnam, has become a prestigious platform for discovering and supporting new generations of directors. Over six seasons, dozens of films from the program have been screened and won awards at over 60 leading international film festivals, including Berlin, Cannes, Venice, and Busan.
Notably, many directors who came through the project have gone on to make their feature film debuts and win awards at the three most prestigious international film festivals—Cannes, Berlin and Venice. Standouts include Pham Thien An (Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell), Pham Ngoc Lan (Cu Li Never Cries) and Duong Dieu Linh (Mưa Trên Cánh Bướm).
With the support of the CJ Cultural Foundation, CGV Vietnam and the Korean Academy of Film Arts, the CJ Short Film Project not only offers young filmmakers professional development but also opens the door for Vietnamese cinema to reach the international stage. The top five projects of 2025 are a testament to the creativity, courage and ambition of this new generation of directors. From these short but powerful screenplays, the future of Vietnamese cinema is being written, step by step, with the dreams, passion and tireless efforts of young talents.
Photo: CJ CGV
