The Vietnam – Germany Children's Film Festival 2025 officially opened for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City, offering a vibrant cinematic space that inspires young audiences through a rich lineup of short films filled with humanity and meaning.
On June 14, the festival kicked off with the participation of hundreds of children and parents. The event is jointly organized by the Goethe-Institut, PRIX JEUNESSE Foundation, the PASCH initiative, S-Connect, THD Education Solutions, and the local library.
With the theme “Little Heroes Today, Global Citizens Tomorrow,” the Vietnam – Germany Children's Film Festival 2025 presents a curated selection of short and animated films from around the world. These works convey warm, relatable, and humanistic messages, aiming to inspire children aged 3 to 16. The festival offers young audiences the opportunity to journey across borders through cinema, meet peers from different parts of the world, and explore diverse cultures through the innocent and imaginative lens of childhood.
The event has garnered great interest from parents and students alike.
Ms. Thai Mai Lan, Director of the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “The festival is a ticket that takes children on a cinematic adventure—meeting global friends and discovering the world through their own childlike perspective.”
Ms. Thai Mai Lan, Director of the Goethe-Institut Ho Chi Minh City, delivered the opening speech at the festival.
The opening screening featured the German film “Curious Tobi and the Journey to the Flying Rivers” (directed by Johannes Honsell), a vivid and imaginative exploration of the wonders of nature. Vietnam contributed four animated short films produced by S-Connect, including: The Kitchen God's Carp, The Bumbling Lion Dance Team, Wolfoo and the Mysterious Island, The Trash Monster. These works blend traditional and modern elements, making them especially relatable to Vietnamese children.
The festival runs until August 15, with free screenings held every Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at the General Sciences Library (69 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1). In addition to screenings, a series of children’s filmmaking workshops is also taking place, offering kids an opportunity to explore visual storytelling and nurture their creativity from an early age.
More than just a form of entertainment, the festival acts as a cultural bridge, helping Vietnamese children expand their worldview, appreciate art, and develop essential skills to become global citizens in the future.
Source: TP Hồ Chí Minh: Khai mạc Liên hoan phim thiếu nhi Việt – Đức 2025 | baotintuc.vn