HCM CITY —  Young amateur filmmakers aged 18-35 are eligible to participate in the first HTV Short Film Awards 2018, launched in HCM City this week.   

The contest includes two categories: short films and TV ads. 

Short films (15 minutes or less) on social issues will feature stories related to young people and their hopes and dreams.

Advertising films (30 seconds) will offer messages to all kinds of communities.  

Stories about youth and their difficulties in life, study and love are expected to be featured.  

Films should include at least one poster each.

Organised by HCM City Television (HTV), in co-operation with its private studio partners, the contest will give participants, particularly students at universities and colleges, and an opportunity to explore their creativity.   

A group of film producers, directors, and camera operators from film studios and cinematography schools, such as Trần Thị Bích Ngọc, K’Linh, Trần Hữu Tuấn and Trần Khánh Hoàng, will join the jury.  

Movie star and film producer Trương Ngọc Ánh will also be included.

Ánh began her career in 1998 after performing in TV shows produced by HTV.  

She performed in dozens of films and TV series, including prize-winning productions Áo Lụa Hà Đông (The White Silk Dress) and Sài Gòn Nhật Thực (Saigon Eclipse).

Ánh won the Golden Kite for Best Actress at the annual Golden Kite Awards, presented by the Việt Nam Cinematography Association in 2014.

She later opened TNA Entertainments and was involved in film producing. She produced four films, including the VNĐ21 billion (US$1 million) blockbuster Sắc Đẹp Ngàn Cân, a Vietnamese version of the Korean film 200-Pound Beauty

“Our jury supports contestants who tell their stories in a realistic way," said 42-year-old Ánh.  

Winners of HTV Short Film Awards 2018 will be chosen from 24 finalists in each category.

Top prizes will be given for Best Film, Best Director, Best Picture, Best Screenplay and Best Sound Effects.

Prizes worth a total of VNĐ1 billion ($42,800) will be presented.

Films selected for the final round will air on HTV channels.

Audiences will also vote for their favourite film.

Contestants should send their work to the contest’s organising board before September 11 at http//giaithuongphimnganhtv.vn or to HCM City Television, 14 Đinh Tiên Hoàng Street, District 1.— VNS