Proj. Add to Life
In October 2022, I launched a unique Gen-Z film project sponsored by Lazada Vietnam at Van Lang University's Faculty of Art and Design. This project, focused on environmental activism, empowered young filmmakers to tell their stories and advocate for their generation through short films. As Creative Head, I designed the curriculum, mentored the students, and guided them through the filmmaking process.
The winning pitch stands a chance to win up to USD 50,000 in production funding, as well as the chance to co-create and realize their vision with the support of industry leaders and renowned director - Nguyen Quang Dung.
Add Light to Life
Student Director Winner: Mai Linh Pham
A spaceship touched down on the moon, carrying a girl who had just emerged from hibernation. Stepping outside, she watched Earth from a swing, lost in memories of sunlit days and sunflowers. A fellow astronaut, gently pushing her swing, offered a paper sunflower.
In the girl's memory, a sunflower trip with her father flickered by. They walked, bussed, laughed, shared ice cream, and bought a flower. But darkness soon enveloped everything. Back on the moon, holding the paper sunflower, the girl looked at Earth.
Suddenly, cosmic dust transformed into sunflower petals, bridging the gap between Earth and the moon.
Dawn broke, bathing everything in light. In that glow, the astronaut revealed himself to be her father.
They embraced, their joy filling the universe with light.
Chapter 1: Call for Entry
We came to Van Lang University to share our vision, explain how we want to empower Gen Z through this project, and call for entries.
Chapter 2: Workshop Experience
Shortlist the entries, and level up each synopsis and script.
Chapter 3: The Making of “Add Light to Life”
Part of the journey: writing scripts, location visits, and setting up the film set.
Film launch and beyond.
The day when our journey with the new director comes to an end, or perhaps it’s the beginning of a new chapter.
The behind-the-scene
Proj. Add to Life aka ATL is a celebration of how life can be enriched through the eyes of the next generation.
Through powerful film narratives, we wish to explore what this means in six very diverse countries in Southeast Asia, where Lazada is based.