A burst of creativity and youthful energy is set to light up Ho Chi Minh City this summer as the Children’s Film Festival returns, promising a celebration of storytelling through the eyes of young filmmakers and audiences. Held annually, the event offers a platform for children to explore cinema, engage with cultural narratives, and share their unique perspectives with the world. This year’s festival, hosted in Vietnam’s bustling southern hub, aims to inspire a new generation of storytellers while bringing families together for a shared cultural experience.
A Cinematic Summer for Young Minds
The Children’s Film Festival, organized by local cultural bodies in collaboration with international partners, kicked off in Ho Chi Minh City with an opening ceremony that drew hundreds of eager participants. Featuring a lineup of short films, animations, and documentaries created by and for children, the festival runs through the first weeks of summer, offering free screenings at various venues across the city. From local parks to community centers, the event ensures accessibility for families from all walks of life.
This year’s theme focuses on “Dreams and Imagination,” encouraging young filmmakers to explore fantastical worlds and personal aspirations through their work. Organizers have reported a record number of submissions from across Vietnam, with some entries coming from rural provinces where access to filmmaking resources remains limited. “We want every child to feel they have a story worth telling” said a festival spokesperson during the opening event. The initiative also includes workshops led by industry professionals, teaching participants the basics of scriptwriting, animation, and editing. 
Bridging Cultures Through Film
Beyond showcasing local talent, the festival serves as a bridge for cultural exchange, featuring international films curated for young audiences. This year’s program includes selections from countries across Asia and beyond, offering Vietnamese children a window into diverse traditions and lifestyles. A notable highlight is a series of animated shorts from Japan and South Korea, which have already sparked excitement among attendees for their vibrant storytelling and colorful visuals.
For many families in Ho Chi Minh City, the festival is more than just entertainment; it’s an opportunity to connect with global narratives while celebrating Vietnam’s own rich heritage. Parents attending the event expressed delight at seeing their children engage with stories that reflect both local folklore and universal themes of friendship and perseverance. “It’s wonderful to see my daughter so inspired by these films” said Nguyen Thi Lan, a mother of two who attended a screening at a local park. “She’s already talking about making her own movie one day.”
Nurturing Creativity in a Digital Age
In an era where digital content often dominates children’s attention, the festival stands out as a space for meaningful engagement with the arts. Organizers emphasize the importance of fostering creativity over passive consumption, providing hands-on activities that encourage critical thinking and self-expression. From stop-motion animation classes to storytelling sessions, the event equips young participants with skills that extend beyond the screen.
Local educators have also praised the festival for its role in supplementing school curricula, particularly in underserved communities. “Art and storytelling are powerful tools for learning” said Tran Minh Hoang, a primary school teacher who brought his students to a workshop. “Many of these children don’t have access to such opportunities, so this festival is a game-changer for them.”
A Community Celebration
As the Children’s Film Festival unfolds, it continues to draw crowds of families, educators, and young creatives, transforming Ho Chi Minh City into a hub of cinematic discovery. The event not only highlights the potential of Vietnam’s youth but also reinforces the city’s reputation as a vibrant cultural center in Southeast Asia. With each screening and workshop, the festival plants seeds of inspiration, nurturing dreams that may one day shape the future of Vietnamese cinema.
For now, the laughter and chatter of children fill the air at venues across the city, a reminder of the simple joy of storytelling. As the summer sun shines over Ho Chi Minh City, this festival offers a small but significant space for imagination to flourish, leaving lasting memories for all who attend.
