LAUNCH CEREMONY OF THE “HIỀN TÀI HÔM NAY” (“TODAY’S TALENTS”) SHORT FILM COMPETITION COMMEMORATING THE 950TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE FOUNDING OF QUỐC TỬ GIÁM (1076–2026)

To commemorate the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám (1076–2026), Viet Nam’s first national school, on the afternoon of May 13, the Vietnam Film Development Association, in collaboration with the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports and the Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám, held the launch ceremony of the “Hiền tài hôm nay” (“Today’s Talents”) Short Film Competition.

The launch ceremony was attended by Mr Phạm Tất Thắng, Member of the Party Central Committee and Standing Deputy Head of the Central Commission for Information, Education and Mass Mobilisation; Assoc. Prof. Dr Tạ Quang Đông, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism; Mr Bùi Duy Cường, Vice Chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee; Ms Lê Thị Ánh Mai, Deputy Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture and Sports; Dr Ngô Phương Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association; Dr Lê Xuân Kiêu, Director of the Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám Centre for Cultural and Scientific Activities; and Meritorious Artist Dr Bùi Như Lai, Rector of the Hanoi Academy of Theatre and Cinema. The event also brought together artists, film enthusiasts, journalists, and representatives of press and media agencies.

The competition is part of a series of activities marking this significant anniversary for the capital. It aims to honour Viet Nam’s longstanding tradition of national education while inspiring aspiration, determination, and a spirit of advancement among young Vietnamese intellectuals in a new era.

As Viet Nam’s first national school, Quốc Tử Giám is not only an important historical and cultural heritage site, but also a symbol of the nation’s centuries-old traditions of devotion to learning, respect for teachers and education, and the honouring and nurturing of talent. Drawing inspiration from this enduring legacy, the “Hiền tài hôm nay” Short Film Competition offers young people an opportunity to engage with heritage from the perspective of their own generation and to tell stories of outstanding individuals, past and present—stories of knowledge, teachers, creativity, contribution, and responsibility towards the community.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mr Bùi Duy Cường, Vice Chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee, stated:

“Cinema is one of the art forms with a powerful capacity to communicate the cultural, historical, and human values of Viet Nam through a modern artistic language. The ‘Hiền tài hôm nay’ Short Film Competition is organised not only to provide a creative platform for young filmmakers, but also to help connect heritage with contemporary life and inspire creativity rooted in the nation’s tradition of learning and its respect for and recognition of talent.”

The competition helps strengthen the connections among cinema, education, and heritage, while promoting the continuation of Viet Nam’s tradition of national education. It also seeks to contribute to the development of Hà Nội as a city of knowledge, the cultivation of high-quality human resources, and the recognition and attraction of talented people.

In particular, the competition contributes to the implementation of Resolution No. 02-NQ/TW dated March 17, 2026, on “Building and Developing Hà Nội Capital in the New Era.” The Resolution sets out the orientation for developing Hà Nội according to the values of “Culture and Heritage – Civilisation – Modernity – Happiness,” with people at the centre—as the subjects, the goal, and the driving force of development. Culture is placed at the heart of the socio-economic development strategy. At the same time, “Cultural Heritage – Identity – Creativity” is identified as a set of core values, an endogenous resource, and a source of soft power, providing a foundation for building character and intellect, and generating momentum for development.

Dr Ngô Phương Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), said:

“The ‘Hiền tài hôm nay’ Short Film Competition is a meaningful initiative marking the 950th anniversary of Quốc Tử Giám, Viet Nam’s first national school. Cinema has the power to tell stories—and to tell them beautifully and convincingly. Among these are stories of talented and accomplished individuals. Cinema not only vividly reflects life but also inspires, awakens belief, and serves as a bridge between the past and the present, tradition and the future. We therefore hope that this competition will become a space for dialogue between tradition and modernity, between a thousand-year heritage and the creative legacy being shaped by today’s younger generation.”

At the launch ceremony, the Organising Committee announced the competition rules, thematic directions, and other official information to help entrants understand the requirements and participation process. Entries may explore themes such as the spirit of learning, the image and role of teachers, the importance of knowledge in the digital age, and exemplary individuals in education, research, and creative endeavours. Through the language of cinema, the competition seeks to tell stories of outstanding individuals, past and present, through creative perspectives that resonate with young audiences today.

The competition is open to Vietnamese citizens living in Viet Nam and abroad, with young people aged 15 and above particularly encouraged to participate. Entries may take the form of fiction films, documentaries, or animated films, with a running time of between 3 and 15 minutes.

As part of the competition, a panel discussion entitled “Talent in the Digital Age” is expected to be held in August 2026, bringing together education experts, film professionals, policymakers, and young filmmakers.

The competition seeks to connect cinema with education and heritage, carry forward the tradition of national education, contribute to the development of Hà Nội as a city of knowledge and high-quality human resources, and inspire a spirit of contribution among Viet Nam's younger generation in the new era. Taking place in the year marking the 950th anniversary of the founding of Quốc Tử Giám, the competition further highlights the importance of continuing the tradition of learning, honouring knowledge and education, and bringing cultural and historical values closer to contemporary audiences, particularly younger generations.

Entries may be submitted in either of the following ways:

– Submit your entry through the online form:

Online Submission Form

or via the competition’s official email: cuocthi.hientaihomnay@gmail.com

– Submit your entry in person to the Vietnam Film Development Association Office, 32 Hào Nam, Building A – Vietnam Institute of Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism, 2nd Floor, Ô Chợ Dừa Ward, Hà Nội.

Final Round and Awards Ceremony: September 2026.

DETAILED INFORMATION ON THE COMPETITION RULES, SUBMISSION GUIDELINES, SCHEDULE, AND RELATED ACTIVITIES WILL BE UPDATED THROUGH THE ORGANIZING COMMITTEE’S OFFICIAL CHANNELS:

Website:

Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)

Fanpages:

Vietnam Film Development Association

Văn Miếu – Quốc Tử Giám

TL: LH