As part of the 2nd Ho Chi Minh City Short Film Festival 2026, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, in collaboration with the Department of Education and Training and other relevant agencies and organizations, officially launched the implementation of the city's commitments as a UNESCO Creative City of Film. Two key initiatives were introduced: “Building Cinema in Schools” and “Establishing a Film Development Support Center.”
Ho Chi Minh City begins implementing its commitments as a UNESCO Creative City of Film
From June 5 to June 8, the launch of the City of Film brand identity, the announcement of the “Building Cinema in Schools” initiative, and the Short Video Clip Creation Competition for High School Students were held successively at four schools: Le Quy Don High School, Tran Khai Nguyen High School, Tay Thanh High School, and Gia Dinh High School. At each venue, students had the opportunity to interact with film directors and watch two award-winning short films from the 1st Ho Chi Minh City Short Film Festival, helping them gain a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process and inspiring them to confidently create their own films while still in school.
Film screenings under the “Building Cinema in Schools” initiative
Alongside the film screenings organized under the “Building Cinema in Schools” initiative, the Nurturing Film Talent – Short Form Film Lab project, jointly implemented by MTH Film and Technology Group Joint Stock Company and the City, took place over three days, from June 6 to June 8.
With the goal of creating a professional and modern support environment where emerging filmmakers can learn, grow, and turn their creative ideas into reality, the Nurturing Film Talent – Short Form Film Lab project featured a series of in-depth activities, including masterclasses on emerging filmmaking trends, the application of AI in film production, story and concept development, one-on-one project consultations, pitching sessions before an expert panel, and networking opportunities with producers and investors.
The Nurturing Film Talent – Short Form Film Lab program
More than simply providing a space for learning and hands-on experience for young filmmakers, film and media students, and content creators, the Short Form Film Lab project also aims to build a sustainable ecosystem that supports emerging talent in today's film and digital media landscape.
From the first steps of the “Building Cinema in Schools” initiative to the Nurturing Film Talent – Short Form Film Lab project, Ho Chi Minh City is steadily turning its commitment to becoming a true UNESCO Creative City of Film into reality—a city where cinema is not only an art form but also a bridge connecting education, creativity, and community development.
With the support of government agencies, educational institutions, technology companies, and the creative community, the seeds of passion being nurtured today are expected to grow into a new generation of confident filmmakers, contributing to a dynamic, modern, and culturally distinctive future for Vietnamese cinema.