The world of AI movies in your phone.

Pham Vinh Khuong's journey into making AI films using smartphones began with over 20 years of experience with this device. From the early days when he only knew how to take photos and videos with rudimentary quality on old, outdated cameras, to the point where smartphones became true mobile studios.

Director Pham Vinh Khuong. (Photo: Provided by the interviewee)

Creativity knows no bounds.

As AI emerged and developed rapidly, director Pham Vinh Khuong realized it was not just a supporting tool, but a revolution in creative thinking. He asked himself: "Why depend on expensive equipment and a large crew when I can tell stories using the phone in my hand, combined with artificial intelligence?"

With that in mind, he quietly experimented, tinkered, shaped, and gave birth to the concept of "True Smartphone Film" – making minimalist films without specialized equipment, yet still achieving artistic quality and a profound message.

Identifying it as a challenging journey, Pham Vinh Khuong also saw it as a way to prove that creativity knows no bounds, as long as you dare to think and dare to act. And then, his first short film on Touch, produced entirely using AI on a smartphone, was released for free in June 2024 to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The music video "Chèo mở lái ra" (Opening the Rowing) continues to be a project that the director has put a lot of heart into, because the theme focuses on a traditional art form of the nation, which is not very popular in the modern context.

His motivation "stems from a deep love for Vietnamese culture and a touch of ambition to revive those values ​​in a way that the younger generation can appreciate." He sees AI "not just as a tool for creating visual effects, but also as a bridge to recreate history and culture in a more vivid and relatable way."

In this music video, he used AI to reconstruct images of military culture, incorporating valuable historical documents and combining traditional Vietnamese opera with epic music to create a fusion that is both familiar and novel.

The director "wants the audience not only to watch, but also to feel proud of their roots. Bringing traditional Vietnamese opera closer to today's public is not about forced modernization, but about using technology to breathe life into it, making it a vibrant story that touches the hearts of even young people who are unfamiliar with this art form."

A scene from the music video "Cheo Mo Lai Ra" by Pham Vinh Khuong. (Photo: An Binh)

A fresh cinematic experience.

For director Pham Vinh Khuong, cultural preservation is not about keeping it in a museum, but about allowing it to "continue to breathe, continue to live in the new era."

Therefore, he devoted much effort to perfecting the major project - the music video "Declaration Commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Liberation of Southern Vietnam" and paying profound tribute to the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.

“This isn’t a dry historical music video, but an artistic work combining AI technology, augmented reality (AR), and 3D cinematic style, telling the story of national pride, unity, and aspirations for progress.” The director combined visuals, music , and technology to recreate heroic moments while conveying a message about the future: We should not only be proud of the past but also continue to build an increasingly strong Vietnam.

According to Pham Vinh Khuong, the project presented significant challenges in both technical and content aspects. He worked not only independently but also collaborated with leading photographers and artists in the cultural and artistic fields in Vietnam and internationally to ensure the best possible audio and visual quality. He hopes that upon its release, "The Manifesto" will not simply be a work of art, but also affirm the creativity of Vietnamese people in the digital age.

Another project in development – ​​the film "White Coats After a White Night " – is scheduled for release on February 27, 2026, coinciding with Vietnamese Doctors' Day.

Without imposing any copyright restrictions on images and sound, he decided to allow doctors and fans alike to use them for free to support promotional activities, helping the film reach a wider audience.

The project's unique aspect lies in the application of AI technology throughout the production process. For the first time in the history of Vietnamese cinema, a film paying tribute to the healthcare industry was made entirely using AI. From visual effects and set reconstruction to 3D effects and post-production, everything was supported by AI, delivering a creative, fresh, and technologically advanced cinematic experience.

More than just a typical film project, "White Coat After a White Night" also has scientific and educational value. The work was created with the consultation of medical experts, doctors, and researchers in the medical field to ensure the content accurately reflects the work and lives of those in the medical profession.

In addition, to optimize the AI's operational capabilities, the director's IT team developed specialized software that helps the AI ​​process data more accurately and efficiently, further affirming the development of AI technology in the film industry.

Pham Vinh Khuong, born in 1992 in Ho Chi Minh City, is known for his unique film projects utilizing AI and mobile phone technology, such as "The Great Viet Picture," which celebrates the cultural, historical, and national values ​​of Vietnam; "White Party," which promotes child protection; "Eye of the Storm," which focuses on flood victims; "Opening the Row," which honors the national art form; and "Steel Flame," which commemorates the late General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Director Pham Vinh Khuong appears on HBO. (Photo: Provided by the artist)

Voice affirmation tool

Pham Vinh Khuong has always argued that AI is not a "magic wand" to replace humans, but rather a potentially valuable partner if humans know how to harness it.

Based on his experience, he said: "First, start with simple, accessible tools on your phone – basic AI applications for images, audio, or video editing can all be downloaded and tried directly."

Most importantly, don't let AI lead you. Lead the AI, control it well, and master it. Creativity doesn't lie in technology, but in ideas, knowledge, skill, emotions, and the story you want to tell.”

In this era of advancement, the young director encourages young people to use AI to explore and celebrate Vietnamese identity – from culture and history to contemporary issues.

“Let’s turn AI into a tool to assert the voice of our generation, not only domestically but also internationally. AI can help save time, manpower, and production costs, but only humans can create depth. Therefore, don’t be lazy in cultivating knowledge and emotions – that’s the key to mastering technology, instead of becoming its slave,” he emphasized.

Director Pham Vinh Khuong's creations not only demonstrate foresight but also affirm the groundbreaking creative abilities of a young generation shaping professional art.

“I am fortunate to have my academic research and achievements, exceeding expectations, recognized by both Vietnamese and international media. But for me, the greatest recognition isn't in awards, or constant media attention and praise, but when the audience feels the message, emotion, and passion I convey through each frame.” - Pham Vinh Khuong

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/dao-dien-pham-vinh-khuong-the-gioi-phim-ai-trong-chiec-dien-thoai-309047.html