Youth take on sensitive topics via camera lens

A documentary film about domestic violence won Best Documentary at the 2015 Golden Lotus Bud Awards.

Me Con Ha (Ha and Her Mother) was directed by Pham Thi Thu Le, a student from Pham Hong Thai High School in Hanoi. It was one of several entries honoured at the award ceremony held on August 2 at the Cong Nhan (Workers) Cinema.

Le said it wasn't easy to shoot the scenes, as domestic violence requires very delicate handling.

"I had to be very patient and sensitive," Le said. "The audience can feel how I shivered with fear while holding the camera."

Judges chose Le's film and Ngay Mai (Tomorrow) by Pham Le Dung for best documentary and short film, respectively.

The audience voted for Danh Tang Ong Dieu (Dedication to Mr Dieu) by Nguyen Hien Anh for best documentary and Van Minh Xi Xom (Squat Toilet Civilisation) by Hoang Quoc Nhat for best short film.

The award for best film debut went to Lam Bo (Being a Father) by Ha Minh Tien.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen, a member of the organising board, said the young filmmakers dealt bravely with difficult, urgent problems in society.

"Each entry is a unique, multifaceted, truthful angle on life," Chuyen said. "The ceremony offers young filmmakers a place to share their experiences, passion, desire and emotions."

The Golden Lotus Bud is an annual award ceremony held by the Assistance and Development of Movie Talents starting in 2010. It features films made by participants in the We Are Filmmakers Project, which encourages young people to become involved in the film industry.

This year the organisers received 108 documentary and 17 short film submissions.-VNA