Harmonizing Creativity – Crafting Cinematic Narratives: Perspectives from the Crew of Phi Phong – The Blood Demon

On April 20, 2026, Hoa Sen University brought cinema to life for more than 300 students from the Faculty of Marketing and Communication through the talk show Harmonizing Creativity – Crafting Cinematic Narratives. The crew of Phi Phong – The Blood Demon, currently in theaters, offered rare behind-the-scenes perspectives and real-world filmmaking insights. Through the talk show, students were given a valuable opportunity to uncover the untold stories behind a film through the eyes of industry insiders.

Transforming Disagreement into Harmony in Artistic Creation

On April 20, 2026, Hoa Sen University (HSU) organized the “Harmonizing Creativity – Crafting Cinematic Narratives” talk show.

During the event, Mr. Do Quoc Trung, Director of Phi Phong – The Blood Demon, shared extraordinary behind-the-scenes insights into the filmmaking process. He explained that harmony in a film was not created through similarity from the beginning, but was built through debate, critique, and continuous refinement among team members.

He further noted that in a creative environment filled with strong artistic personalities, differences in viewpoints were inevitable. What mattered most was how members listened, respected one another, and collaborated toward a common goal: delivering the best possible film to audiences and contributing to Vietnamese cinema.

The Path of Filmmaking: From Inspiration to Practice

Going beyond behind-the-scenes stories, the talk show broadened its scope to cover key aspects of the creative industry. Students gained insight into the complete filmmaking journey, from idea development and location scouting to scriptwriting and production.

In particular, the speakers shared how technology, including AI, was being applied to address aspects that were difficult to achieve with traditional filming techniques. These insights gave learners a deeper understanding of how the creative industry is adapting to rapid technological change.

When professionals conduct “self-evaluation”

One of the program’s most compelling highlights was the challenge for the crew to “critique” their own work. During the event, Ms. Kelly Hoang, Production Designer, Mr. FA Chau Tran, Director of Photography, and Mr. Do Quoc Trung reexamined the film from new perspectives.

Through discussions about limitations, hidden details, and unfinished work, the speakers offered students a real look into the profession. They also showed that behind every polished final product was an ongoing process of revision and refinement.

Real-World Learning Experience at HSU

Through this exchange, students not only acquired professional knowledge but also drew inspiration from the speakers’ career journeys. The film’s Northwest mountain setting, from hills and caves to delicate details such as firelight and waterfalls, illustrates how cinematic language is crafted through careful observation and creativity.

According to Dr. Doan Thi Ngoc Thuy, Dean of the Faculty of Marketing and Communication, engagement with industry experts reflected the university’s hands-on training orientation. She further emphasized that those insights helped students better understand their future profession while building the essential mindset and skills needed even before graduation.

“Although the film has yet to premiere officially, the speakers’ enthusiastic and open-hearted sharing has brought valuable practical lessons to students in Multimedia Communications and Media Production and Management”, she noted.

Nurturing Inspiration for Young Creative Minds

From the student perspective, Mr. Trinh Gia Phuoc, a Media Production and Management student, shared his enthusiasm for the program. Beyond enriching his professional knowledge, the talk show also encouraged him to continue pursuing opportunities in the creative field.

Experiential academic activities such as the “Harmonizing Creativity – Crafting Cinematic Narratives” talk show have been contributing to fostering a vibrant learning environment at HSU, where students build connections with their chosen career paths, gain practical insights, and gradually enhance their competencies.

Let’s take a look back at some meaningful moments captured during the talk show:

Source: Van Hoa Newspaper