Highland children reveal their dreams through film

“Spread the dreams”, a film festival for children and adolescents in the three northern provinces of Hoa Binh, Cao Bang and Bac Kan has created a chance for ethnic minority children to raise their voices and express their aspirations.

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The festival is part of the Australia-funded “Leadership Connections” project implemented by ChildFund Vietnam in 12 communes of Kim Boi district (Hoa Binh province), Ngan Son district (Bac Kan province) and Quang Uyen district (Cao Bang province).The project, which is implemented between 2016 and 2019, aims to increase the involvement, voice and self-representation of children to help them get an optimistic view about the future and inspire other children in their community.


A team is developing the screenplay fora film on life skills.


Learning how to set scenes.


Actor and cameraman on the scene.


Practicing filming in Lang Ngam commune, Ngan Son district, Bac Kan province.


The filming team from Trung Hoa commune, Ngan Son district, Bac Kan province


A scene in the film produced by theteam from Doc Lap commune, Quang Uyen district, Cao Bang province.


A scene of the award-winning film “A day of Nhu”.


Confident in holding the video camera.


Primary students are excited about their own videos.


Reviewing shots.


Little boys can master HD cameras.

The project, which has attracted more than 300 children and young people between 8 and 24, teaches children how to develop scripts and use video cameras as well as basic knowledge on lighting and framing, and other soft skills. After one year, 22 films were selected to the final round and 15 received awards.

“The fulcrum for children” from Hong Dinh commune, Quang Uyen district, Cao Bang province, got the best picture award. The best actor award was granted to “If only” from Kim Truy commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province. “Another him” from Lang Ngam commune, Ngan Son district, Bac Kan province received the best director award. The best press reportage wasgiven to “Hygienic latrines” from Thuong Tien commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province. “A slope to my school” from Na Pac commune, Ngan Son district, Bac Kan province, got the best current news award, and “A day of Nhu” from Cuoi Ha commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province, won the award for best reflection of children’s issues.

“I am very happy to be involved in making films because I have the chance to interact with many people and learn how to make films, how to work in teams and make decisions,” said 10-year-old Dong Vinh Quang, from Bac Kan province.

The films, made under the bright and honest views of children have helped parents and the community take a closer look into the inner world of children,better understanding their feelings and acknowledging their involvement .


Filming at the film festival.


The team of best picture award winner “The fulcrum for children”
from Hong Dinh commune, Quang Uyen district, Cao Bang province.


Children from Thuong Tien commune, Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province
are happy with the award for theirfilm “Hygienic latrines”.


ChildFund Vietnam members teach filming skills.


Pure and bright faces at the festival.

Quach Dinh Hanh, Head of the Labour, Invalid and Social Affairs Division of Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province said: “The children’s efforts are amazing. They have chosen and explored topics familiar to their families and community, and can express them in beautiful shots.’’

Story: Tran Van – Photos: Files