T recently, the film “Used to Be Green” by a group of students from Van Lang University has won the first prize at the International Student Film Festival ISMA2025 in the category of AI Narrative. This film vividly depicts the transformation of the environment through images of clear rivers turning dark and filled with trash, aiming to raise awareness about environmental protection.
The International Student Film Festival ISMA2025 was held at Van Lang University, attracting 121 entries from 37 universities across 8 countries. The competing works were categorized into four sections: Short Film, Animation, Interactive Art, and AI Narrative. A panel of judges selected 36 outstanding works, awarding 4 first prizes, 9 second prizes, 15 third prizes, and 8 consolation prizes. Vietnam had 10 winning entries, including “Used to Be Green”.
The film “Used to Be Green” utilizes environmental data and artificial intelligence to narrate the transformation of urban areas. It conveys a message about the importance of environmental protection and encourages people to make changes to save the environment. By leveraging AI technology, the filmmakers created a compelling narrative that highlights the urgent need for sustainable practices.
In addition to the main competition, ISMA2025 also hosted a 72-hour workshop in Ho Chi Minh City, which was attended by 8 international student groups. The workshop aimed to foster creative thinking and problem-solving skills, providing a platform for students to exchange ideas and learn from each other.
According to Thạc sĩ Phan Quân Dũng, Head of the Department of Fine Arts & Design and Chair of the ISMA organizing committee, the international student film festival aims to honor young filmmaking talent and promote cultural exchange. He emphasized that such events provide opportunities for students to showcase their work and connect with like-minded individuals from around the world.
PGS-TS Trần Thị Mỹ Diệu, Rector of Van Lang University, evaluated that the activities at ISMA2025 underscore the significance of communication art in today’s world. She highlighted that the festival not only celebrates creative achievements but also encourages collaboration and innovation among young artists.
The success of “Used to Be Green” and the overall accomplishments of Vietnamese students at ISMA2025 demonstrate the growing talent and creativity of young filmmakers in Vietnam. As stated by various experts, events like ISMA2025 play a crucial role in nurturing this talent and fostering global connections.
