HSU Student Documentary Reaches European Audiences Through International Film Festival
“Tôi là ai?” (English: Who am I? | French: Qui suis-je?), a documentary produced by Ms. Luu Hong Hanh, a Media Production and Management student at Hoa Sen University, has earned a place among the official selections of the International Short Documentary Film Festival – Viet Culture in Motion 2026. This achievement reflects the creativity and storytelling capabilities of Hoa Sen University students, demonstrating how Vietnamese cultural narratives can resonate with audiences across borders through the language of contemporary cinema.
Where Vietnamese Culture Meets Contemporary Cinema
Representing a new generation of Vietnamese storytellers, Ms. Luu Hong Hanh, a Media Production and Management student at Hoa Sen University (HSU), has earned a place on the international stage after her documentary “Tôi là ai?” (English: Who am I? | French: Qui suis-je?) was selected from more than 100 entries worldwide.
The festival is a major component of Toucher Arts 2026, an international cultural initiative led by the ART SPACE Association for the Promotion of Cultural Development in France, along with global cultural and educational partners. It offers a distinctive platform for young filmmakers to showcase Vietnamese culture to international audiences. Additionally, this festival is the world’s first international short documentary film event dedicated solely to Vietnamese culture, uniting young filmmakers under 30 from across the globe.
As part of the program, the 25 selected documentaries were presented across 14 public screenings in France, the Czech Republic, and Belgium, attracting diverse audiences, including residents, international visitors, students, cultural researchers, and film enthusiasts.
Having an HSU student’s documentary featured in the festival’s official selection is a proud milestone for both the University and its young filmmaker. The achievement highlights the ability of emerging Vietnamese storytellers to transform local cultural experiences into compelling cinematic works that resonate across borders.
“Who am I?” – A Story of Identity, Acceptance, and Growth
“Who am I?” follows the journey of Binh, a social worker, cultural researcher, and Cai Luong (Vietnamese traditional opera) artist, as he navigates questions of identity and self-discovery.
The film opens with a seemingly simple question, yet one that resonates throughout every person’s journey of growth and understanding: “Who am I?”
Instead of defining identity through a single answer, Hong Hanh allows “Who Am I?” to unfold as a quiet journey of exploration and acceptance. Through intimate storytelling, the film invites audiences to experience the character’s emotions, reflections, and personal transformation along the way.
At the same time, Cai Luong is portrayed not merely as a performing art but as a living space that carries memories, emotions, and the cultural values of Vietnamese communities. The harmony between a personal story and a shared cultural heritage creates the film’s lasting emotional impact, connecting with viewers from diverse backgrounds.
HSU Students’ Global Footprint in Contemporary Cinema
For Hong Hanh and the Media Production and Management program at HSU, the selection of “Who Am I?” for “Viet Culture in Motion 2026” represents more than a festival screening; it is a testament to the power of authentic storytelling.
The achievement highlights how HSU students are encouraged to observe the world around them, draw inspiration from Vietnamese culture, and translate human experiences into contemporary films capable of engaging audiences beyond national borders.
For HSU students, filmmaking is not simply about completing a course project; it is about discovering meaningful stories and sharing Vietnamese culture through the universal language of cinema. The international screenings of “Who Am I?” stand as a testament to HSU’s educational philosophy of nurturing creative talents who are ready to engage with the world while remaining deeply connected to their cultural roots.
At HSU, creativity goes beyond the classroom: students are encouraged to discover their own voices, transform lived experiences into meaningful stories, and introduce the richness of Vietnamese culture to global audiences through their professional skills and artistic vision.
