VNF - Nearly 200 children and adolescents from three northern provinces of Hoa Binh, Bac Kan and Cao Bang attended the children's film festival "Spread the dreams" held in Hoa Binh from September 15-17.

The children share about the first time they participated in filmmaking (Photo: Tran Ngoc)

The program is part of the "Leadership connections" project implemented by ChildFund Vietnam in three provinces Hoa Binh, Cao Bang and Bac Kan.

Children and adolescents in upland areas have little chance to use modern technological equipment. This is the first time they have made a film themselves. They are trained in how to build scripts, how to use camcorders, basic knowledge of lighting layouts and framing. In addition, they are also equipped with knowledge of participation and decision-making skills. Each team member holds a specific role and responsibility based on his or her strengths and interests.

At the festival, the 12 best movies of total 22 films of three to five minutes are shown. Each film is a perse view of their daily life, such as the first heartbeat, domestic violence or the story of honesty.

Children enjoy watching movies made by themselves and other groups (Photo: Tran Ngoc)

“I’m very happy to be involved in making film because I have chance to interact with many friends, learning filmmaking skills, working in a team and making decisions during the film making process’’, Dong Vinh Quang, 10 years old from Trung Hoa commune, Ngan Son district, Bac Kan province, said.

Through the movies, local authorities and parents understand more about the inner world of the children, and acknowledge more deeply the participation and voice of them.

Quach Dinh Hanh, Head of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs of Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province said “I’m very surprised at the children’s great efforts. They have chosen and explored topics very close to their families and communities, expressing them in beautiful scences. The movies are really touching!’’.

“Joining the filmmaking activitiy, children have demonstrated that they can do and that their voice need to be heard,” said Mai The Long, manager of ChildFund projects in Hoa Binh province.

Quach Dinh Hanh, Head of Labor, Invalid and Social Affairs of Kim Boi district, Hoa Binh province (Photo: Tran Ngoc)

A survey conducted by ChildFund Vietnam in 2016 shows that only 3.9% of male children and 9.7% of female children have a say in decisions related to themselves. This is considered as one of the factors that hinder the participation of children and young people in making decisions affecting their lives.

To partially assist in addressing this situation, the "Leadership connections" project has created an opportunity for 300 children and young people aged 8-24 to participate in filmmaking to express their thoughts and perse perspectives on problems in their everyday life.

The film "Picking up dropped money" is awarded best movie voted by both judges and audiences (Photo: Tran Ngoc)

Tran Ngoc