Director Nguyen Quang Dung after health incident

Director Nguyen Quang Dung continues to accompany the Vietnamese short film competition - Vietnamese 2025

Photo: Nhat Thinh

On the afternoon of May 23, at Saigon International University (HCMC), the announcement ceremony of the Vietnam short film contest with the theme Vietnamese 2025 was held by Thanh Nien Newspaper in collaboration with the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association and Sandisk Vietnam, with the support of Gigamall Vietnam and Beta Group. Taking on the role of Chairman of the Jury is Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairman of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association (former Director of the Cinema Department). In addition, the members of this year's jury continue to be the return of two directors Nguyen Quang Dung and Ly Hai, along with new names: producer Bui Quang Minh ("shark" Minh Beta) - Chairman of Beta Group; actress - producer Thu Trang and journalist Lam Hieu Dung - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper.

Director Nguyen Quang Dung advises contestants "don't follow the formula"

Returning to the jury of the Vietnamese short film competition this year, director Nguyen Quang Dung expressed his excitement to continue accompanying young people with a passion for filmmaking. When asked about the criteria for high scores for short films, Nguyen Quang Dung said that each judge has his own taste and point of view, so contestants should freely create the work that best suits them, without being too calculating or guessing according to the judges' opinions.

Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, producer Bui Quang Minh (Minh Beta), producer Thu Trang, director Nguyen Quang Dung share criteria when being a judge

Photo: Nhat Thinh

To create a good film, director Nguyen Quang Dung believes that it is necessary to ensure three factors: being contemporary, having a special personal mark, and bringing genuine emotions. Having sat in the "hot seat" of many competitions, he gave an example: "I have been a judge on Vietnam Idol for many years. Singer Phuong Vy once won when singing the song 60 years of life. And then many contestants in the following seasons chose this song to compete. Or whoever wins the prize and sings a song, the next year you choose that song. But art does not have a formula but also has a contemporary character. If you make a film, you will see that this generation is different from that generation, this year must be different from that year. Maybe you watch and are influenced by the films that won awards last year, but I think you must have something more unique and special."

According to the 7X director, the special point when making a film is not in the pressure to become special, but in the sincerity, the perspective that matches personal emotions. "For me, genuine emotions are also very important. If your work is not new but creates emotions for the audience, then that is also a success. If a work is both contemporary, has something special and has personal emotions, it is excellent. But if one of the three above factors is clear, it is also very good. The short film genre is very meaningful for those who are starting out in the profession, allowing you to express your personality, your strong ego. Because later when you become a professional, it will be difficult for you to have the opportunity to express yourself 100% like the first short films," he said.

In response to the question: "If a work has a good idea but is not technically perfect, will it win an award or not?", director Nguyen Quang Dung said that this depends on the general level of the works submitted to the contest. He shared: "The film does not need to be perfect, but it depends on the level of imperfection... Everything also depends on the contest rules. For example, if you make a soundtrack without copyright, and get 'beaten', you will definitely not win an award."

Open up many opportunities after the competition

The male director advises young people to be proactive in seizing opportunities.

Photo: Nhat Thinh

According to director Nguyen Quang Dung, young people participating in the Vietnam - Vietnamese short film contest, in addition to testing and demonstrating their abilities, this is also an opportunity for them to meet, connect, and expand their relationships in the future. The male director analyzed: "In addition to the award, the contest will be an opportunity for you to meet your future colleagues. Even if you do not win the award, if you have potential, you can still be noticed by directors and producers, giving you the opportunity to develop your career in the future."

From his own arduous journey into the profession, director Nguyen Quang Dung advised young candidates to be proactive, not to expect anyone to help them or wait for opportunities to come. The male director confided that his generation had very few playgrounds for making short films, so they had to explore and find opportunities to try their hand. Nowadays, there are many different competitions for young people who love movies.

"When you are much luckier but still think and hesitate, you have to see if you are really suitable for the filmmaking profession. The competition lets you know the working environment, friends, test your abilities... Furthermore, it is great if you show those who have been in the profession for a long time your talent. We also look for future colleagues through competitions like this. If we find someone good, we will introduce them to the film studio, introduce them to suitable jobs. This profession is scarce, if anyone has talent, they will earn money, not rich but can live. You should confidently try", the director of Thang Nam Ruc Ro said.

Nguyen Quang Dung changed his lifestyle after a stroke

In April, news that director Nguyen Quang Dung was in critical condition due to a heart attack received attention. When asked about his current health, the 47-year-old director shared that his health is currently stable after a period of treatment and rest.

Journalist Nguyen Ngoc Toan, Editor-in-Chief of Thanh Nien Newspaper (left cover) and Mr. Bui Nhu Phong, Director in charge of Sandisk Vietnam brand (right cover) presented flowers to the judges of the preliminary and final rounds.

Photo: Nhat Thinh

After experiencing a health crisis, director Nguyen Quang Dung said he was conscious of changing his lifestyle and work. "After the stroke, I care more about my health. I exercise, walk, play sports to improve blood circulation, eat scientifically , rest and work in moderation. Besides, I am also trying to quit smoking," he confided.

Recently, Nguyen Quang Dung revealed that he is nurturing new projects. He said he will carry out two film projects, including a work on the post-war theme, collaborating with an American screenwriter and continuing to pursue his dream of bringing the work Ivory Comb (a famous short story by writer Nguyen Quang Sang - his father) to the screen. "Regarding the work Ivory Comb , I have cherished it for a long time but have not thought of a direction. To turn a short story of a few pages into a 120-minute film is not simple. I have a headache thinking about how to add appropriate content to develop it into a film. Luckily, at this time, I have found the key to developing the script and feel confident to do it," he added.

With the theme Vietnamese , contestants who are Vietnamese citizens and foreigners living and working legally in Vietnam from 15 years old and above can exploit all topics permitted by the Cinema Law, related to the country and people of Vietnam. Contestants can use works they have created (as a director or screenwriter) within the past 3 years, and have never participated in other competitions or film festivals. In particular, contestants can take advantage of AI software in the process of creating their works.

Right from the preliminary round, short films that meet quality standards will be selected to be published on Thanh Nien Online Newspaper; then, 20 short films that make it to the final round will be published on Thanh Nien Newspaper's digital platforms, including its YouTube channel with more than 6 million subscribers.

The contest officially accepts entries from May 23 to July 7. The award ceremony is scheduled to take place in August at Beta Cinemas, Ung Van Khiem, Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/dao-dien-nguyen-quang-dung-sau-bien-co-suc-khoe-18525052319410961.htm