Cinema builds bridges of hope.

Fireworks 2025 - an acting class for the deaf community - has concluded. The project's outcome isn't necessarily cinematic products; more importantly, it opens the first steps in fostering belief in a new film industry, increasing connectivity, and bridging language barriers to access opportunities.

Space of Empathy

The closing ceremony of the 2025 Fireworks Project was quite special because it was a place where people from different language backgrounds sat together to reflect on a creative journey filled with perseverance, kindness, and sincerity. There, the familiar applause was replaced by handshakes in sign language – images that were both unfamiliar and richly symbolic, like silent fireworks bursting forth. Audiences and the deaf engaged in dialogue and understanding through cinema.

Five short films by eight students (approximately 3 minutes each) are the result of a persistent journey: eight formal classes and two extracurricular practice sessions. Forest; The Scream; Nougat; The Go Cong Cotton Flowers, Are They Still There?; Sisters and the Spring Telephone - each work has a different flavor. Despite some shyness and naivety in acting and storytelling, the films still show commendable effort, especially the spirit of dedication and the desire to express emotions.

Behind the scenes of the making of short films by hearing-impaired trainees in the Fireworks 2025 project (PHOTO: Organizing Committee)

Producer Trinh Hoan observed that he was surprised by the expressive abilities of some of the trainees: “Some of them have very lively faces and know how to convey emotions. Some even act really well, changing from very cheerful to anxious and frightened in just one shot. I believe this is a very promising start.” Actor Kieu Minh Tuan also commented: “I see that they understand themselves better and feel more comfortable through film.”

However, the most touching moments came from the behind-the-scenes stories. Pham Tien Hung ( Dak Lak ), a young man working in the kitchen, rushed to acting class after work, still wearing his uniform. Or Bui Thi Thanh Huong (Ho Chi Minh City), after completing the first year of the course, eagerly enrolled in the second year. "I hope to have the opportunity to perform with the audience, to be integrated," Huong shared, expressing a simple wish that reflected a greater aspiration – to be recognized fairly.

Unleash opportunities through perseverance.

Sharing about the name "Fireworks," actress Que Thanh – the founder and acting instructor of the project – recounted that she happened to read a Japanese poem with the same name. "Fireworks are an event that everyone should admire together. This project is the same; it can only succeed when done with a collective spirit and should be held annually," she said.

Launched in December 2023, the first season of the project didn't even have an official name, only tentatively called "Basic Acting: Emotion." These were tentative steps, taken in the dark, with a minimalist goal: having a teacher, students, sign language interpreters, and a space for students to express themselves. Cinema was chosen as the bridge, and acting became the language.

The class lasted three months and took place on weekends, with nearly 10 students. After each session, they had an additional 45 minutes to interact with guest artists, expanding their connections with the professional film world. It wasn't until the second season, when they collaborated with cinematographer Vu Hoang Trieu, and with the support of the French Embassy and the French Institute in Vietnam, that the idea for their graduation project took clear shape.

Besides the initial success of five short films already made, actress Que Thanh added that some students have had the opportunity to try their hand at being extras in a film project by Chanh Phuong Films. However, she emphasized that the project does not make any promises about career opportunities. According to her, this path can only open up when three elements are present: the perseverance and seriousness of the students; the dedication and patience of the teaching staff; and the cooperation of third parties – those who help. The road ahead is still fraught with difficulties, but hope is gradually being kindled.

VAN TUAN

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dien-anh-bac-cau-hy-vong-post835275.html