USSH Student Film Festival 2025: Connecting Talents, Elevating the Screen

On June 28, the Faculty of Journalism and Communication at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH VNUHCM), hosted the opening ceremony, film screening, and grand finale of the USSH Student Film Festival 2025 at Dinh Tien Hoang Campus.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Lê Hoàng Dũng, Vice President of USSH, praised the festival as a meaningful academic platform where each film reflects a unique perspective on life, shaped through hundreds of hours of quiet, creative, and committed work. “Each production captures an honest slice of society and marks a step forward in the growth of young communicators—in their thinking, emotion, and sense of professional responsibility,” he said. 

The event not only celebrated outstanding works but also honored the dedication and passion of students and faculty who journeyed together to make it possible.

Dr. Lê Hoàng Dũng acknowledges the students’ efforts to convey life’s values through their films

Dr. Phan Thanh Định, Vice President of USSH, expresses his pride in the students’ meaningful contributions through their cinematic works

This year’s festival received nearly 100 submissions from students at universities across Ho Chi Minh City. Expanded in scale, the 2025 edition featured three categories: television reportage, short films, and documentaries. Each category showcased six standout entries, except for documentaries, which included seven finalists.

Renowned director and People's Artist Đào Bá Sơn, Head Judge of the Documentary category, commended the students’ creative efforts: “You showed compassion for your subjects and displayed courage in addressing complex societal issues.” He noted that beyond filmmaking talent, the students’ work reflected a strong sense of humanity and a desire to promote empathy and social values.

Director – People’s Artist Đào Bá Sơn, Head Judge of the Documentary category, offers heartfelt remarks on the students’ entries

The grand finale concluded with awards announced in the following categories:

• Short Film:
  • First Prize: Mùa hạ sau tà áo trắng
  • Second Prize: Làm sao
  • Third Prize: Cây bút bí ẩn
• Television Reportage:
  • First Prize: Tạm lánh
  • Second Prize: Người giữ rừng thầm lặng
  • Third Prize: Hành trình không đơn độc
• Documentary:
  • First Prize: Đóa hoa Tourette
  • Second Prize: Giờ thứ 25
  • Third Prize: Nhà bên biển and Mảnh ghép cuối cùng?

Representatives from Biên Hòa film crew accept First Prize for Television Reportage

Ba con cừu film crew wins First Prize in the Short Film category

Z-Crew film crew takes First Prize for Documentary

Decor Plus team receives Second Prize for Television Reportage

Làm sao film crew receives Second Prize in Short Film

Thanh niên xung phong film crew awarded Second Prize for Documentary

5T team receives Third Prize in Television Reportage

Bún bò không hành film crew wins Third Prize for Short Film

Decor Plus and Nắng teams receive Third Prize in Documentary

Additional accolades were given in special categories, honoring individual creativity and outstanding contributions, such as Best Director, Best Actor, Best Editing, and Most Promising Director. The Audience Choice Award went to Đóa hoa Tourette by Z-Crew, which garnered 1,057 votes on the official festival website.

Đinh Viết Tường, the protagonist of Đóa hoa Tourette, delivered an emotional message to students about resilience and authenticity: “I once lived inside a shell, afraid to be myself. Today, I stand among you to share this story. I believe that even those who feel small can achieve extraordinary things.”

Đinh Viết Tường shares an inspiring message on perseverance and living authentically

Reflecting on the significance of the festival, Nguyễn Hoàng Thy, Head of the Organizing Committee, emphasized its role in showcasing student identities and spreading messages of empathy, understanding, and respect. 

“These films confront reality—from personal struggles to societal issues—while connecting today’s generation with enduring human values,” she shared. She also affirmed the committee’s commitment to further improve future festivals through lessons learned from this year's edition.

Nguyễn Hoàng Thy presents flowers and a thank-you letter to Dr. Phan Thanh Định

Speaking about the most memorable film, student Trần Gia Bảo highlighted the documentary Mảnh ghép cuối cùng? by Decor Plus. “This film portrays the heartbreaking yet courageous journey of a mother searching for her missing child,” he said. “Though the search continues, she now helps other families find their loved ones. The film speaks powerfully of maternal love, compassion, and human connection.”

The documentary Mảnh ghép cuối cùng? delivered deep emotional impact and powerful human values

The USSH Student Film Festival 2025 served as an academic playground for university, college, and vocational school students across Ho Chi Minh City passionate about film and television. It offered a valuable opportunity to experience the professional filmmaking process and build confidence to pursue their creative dreams.

Exhibition space showcasing posters from the 19 most outstanding films

Organizing committee and film crews gather for a commemorative photo

Story & Photo by THANH HẢI - QUỲNH NHƯ - HUY MAI

Translation by THÁI TƯỜNG