Young filmmakers participate in the 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) in Việt Nam which opened last week. The event’s awards ceremony is expected to be organised in late October. (Photo from the contest’s Facebook).

HCM CITY —  More than 2,000 professional and amateur filmmakers around the country have entered the 48 Hour Film Project (48HFP) which opened last week.   
Each team spent two days to make a short film (seven minutes or less) on different themes captured in various film genres. Films featuring stories related to young people and their hopes and dreams were encouraged to join. 
The contest was launched in Washington, D.C. in 2001 by Mark Ruppert and Liz Langston. It has attracted several thousand filmmakers from more than 76 cities worldwide. 
The contest aims to advance film making and promote filmmakers, particularly young artists. 
In Việt Nam, it began in 2010 and has since then included more than 1,000 short films. In 2013, the contest attracted film director and producer Phillip Noyce as a member of its jury. 
Through the event, many students at universities and colleges have had a chance to explore their creativity. 
Last year, the contest’s Best Director film called Đường Mất (Wayless), a production by the group Zora and Imaginary Friends, entered the top four at the international 48HFP. The film was screened at the 71st Cannes Film Festival. 
This year, 48HFP’s producers are Cloud 9 Production and HK Film of HCM City.  
The top awards will include Best Director, Best Actor, Best Cinematography and Best City. Prizes worth VNĐ100,000 million (US$3,000) in total will be presented.   
A group of film producers, directors, and camera operators from film studios and cinematography schools, including Phan Gia Nhật Linh and Nhất Trung, will join the jury.
The winner of Best Director will compete at the International 48HFP in the Netherlands. It will also be screened at the Cannes Film Festival 2020.
More than 30 seminars, film weeks and screenings will be organised nationwide in September and October. 
The awards ceremony is expected to be organised in late October. — VNS