On the afternoon of 9/7, the announcement ceremony for the CJ Short Film Project 2026 was held at CGV Van Hanh Mall, TP HCM, gathering directors, producers, artists, and film enthusiasts. The program will accept applications until 20/7. All Vietnamese citizens aged 18-40 are encouraged to apply, especially young people passionate about filmmaking and seeking opportunities to transform their script ideas into complete short films.
Following the application round, 10 outstanding candidates will proceed to the pitching round, scheduled for 5/8. The organizers will provide film production funding of up to 1.5 billion VND for five exceptional short film projects.
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The program's evaluation committee this year. From left: directors Tran Thanh Huy, Charlie Nguyen, Phan Dang Di, Trinh Dinh Le Minh. Photo: CGV |
The program's evaluation committee this year. From left: directors Tran Thanh Huy, Charlie Nguyen, Phan Dang Di, Trinh Dinh Le Minh. Photo: CGV
During the event, applicants raised questions about the competition rules, selection methods, and topic limitations to refine their submissions. With the theme "Igniting Dreams - Shaping Masterpieces," season 7 aims to discover new cinematic voices. The evaluation committee includes directors Phan Dang Di, Charlie Nguyen, Trinh Dinh Le Minh, Tran Thanh Huy, and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
This year, producer and actress Kaity Nguyen will serve as a guest judge for the project pitching round. Additionally, director Pham Ngoc Lan, an alumnus of the first season of the CJ Short Film Project who has made a mark at many international film festivals, will act as a mentor.
This year, the program is supported by various organizations, including the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), Korean Academy of Film Arts (KAFA), HK Film, V Pictures, and Future Films.
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Kaity Nguyen and Pham Ngoc Lan collaborate to support young filmmakers. Photo: CGV |
Kaity Nguyen and Pham Ngoc Lan collaborate to support young filmmakers. Photo: CGV
Speaking at the event, Mr. Tran Nhat Hoang, Deputy Director of the International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, praised the CJ Short Film Project. He noted its contribution to supporting young filmmakers at all stages of their work, helping Vietnamese short films gain recognition at over 60 international film festivals.
"The CJ Short Film Project has successfully nurtured young talent in the film industry. On a national level, the project contributes to bringing Vietnam to the world, gradually establishing its presence and building soft power in a new era of development," Mr. Tran Nhat Hoang said.
Ms. Jeong Ji Young, CEO of CJ CGV Vietnam, stated that through the program, the organizers hope to continue building a sustainable talent development ecosystem. This provides young filmmakers with access to production funding, in-depth training, and expert advice throughout the filming, editing, and international submission processes.
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The evaluation committee of "CJ Short Film Project" season 7 addresses questions about the program's rules and content. Photo: CGV |
The evaluation committee of "CJ Short Film Project" season 7 addresses questions about the program's rules and content. Photo: CGV
The CJ Short Film Project was initiated by CJ Cultural Foundation and CJ CGV Vietnam in 2018. Over six seasons, the program has funded 30 short film projects, creating opportunities for 32 young directors and achieving recognition at over 60 international film festivals. Prominent alumni from this platform include Pham Ngoc Lan, Duong Dieu Linh, Doan Si Nguyen, and Nguyen Pham Thanh Dat.
Most recently, director Nguyen Thien An was the first Vietnamese representative to compete for the Short Film Palme d'Or – the highest award for short films at the Cannes Film Festival.
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Find detailed information about the competition on the "CJ Short Film Project - CJ Short Film" Fanpage.
