As part of celebrations for the 25^th anniversary of Da Nang’s recognition as centrally-governed city (January 1, 1997 - 2022), a short film contest themed ‘Wow Da Nang’, the first of its kind in the city, officially started on Saturday.

Standing Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Luong Nguyen Minh Triet attends the contest announcement ceremony, December 31, 2021. Photo: Xuan Dung

Jointly organised by the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports and the Young Life Multimedia JSC, the much-awaited contest is produced and transmitted online by Digital Media Hub.

Previously, on Friday, a ceremony took place to announce the launching of the contest. Present at this event were Standing Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee cum Chairman of the municipal People's Council Luong Nguyen Minh Triet, municipal People's Council Vice Chairwoman Cao Thi Huyen Tran and municipal People's Committee Vice Chairwoman Ngo Thi Kim Yen.

This is the first time that a filmmaking contest has been brought entirely to the digital platform to encourage the ‘anytime - anywhere - any device’ creativity of the filmmaking community.

Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports Pham Tan Xu delivers a speech to announce the opening of the 1st Da Nang short film contest. December 31, 2021. Photo: Xuan Dung

According to the contest’ organizers, the contest aims at promoting the making of unique cultural and cinema products, which are connected to multimedia on a digital technology platform, as well as creating an attractive playground for the film production community, especially young people, movie lovers and anyone with great love for Da Nang.

In particular, the contest contributes to promoting cultural diversity, tourism cohesion and socio-economic recovery, along with encouraging the general public to uphold solidarity, overcome difficulties and fight against the coronavirus resurgence.

Contestants are recommended to create entries that clearly show their love for Da Nang through the experiences of everyday life, the land and people of the city, with various genres such as short films, music videos, graphic movies, documentaries and clips.

Director of the Da Nang Department of Culture and Sports Pham Tan Xu (centre) presents flowers to the contest’s judges. Photo: Xuan Dung

Through a media campaign, the organizers will select 25 finalists and launch the screening of these outstanding films on main downtown streets, public spots, cultural landmarks and tourist attractions of the city.

The special prize worth VND100 million and three gold prizes valued at VND30 million each will be awarded to excellent works. In addition, five digital prizes will be given out to entries with the most interactions on digital platforms.

Entries must be submitted to the contest’s organisers through https://danangfilmfest.vn. The submission deadline is April 15, 2022.

The awards ceremony will take place at the end of April 2022.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG –Translating by A. THU