On April 22, the festival’s organizers announced the shortlist for the short film category, with “Dream Is a Snail” by young director Nguyen Thien An named among the selected entries.

“Dream Is a Snail” is one of five projects supported under the CJ Short Film Project 2025. The 16-minute film follows Huy, an extra actor who develops an unusual obsession with snails after being hired as a model for a rejuvenation workshop.

The film’s visual language is crafted by cinematographer Chananun Chotrungroj, known for his work on “The Third Wife,” bringing a blend of realism and layered symbolism that evokes both intimacy and existential reflection.

Through its concise runtime, the film captures the emotional journey of young individuals caught between mundane realities and elusive artistic dreams that grow increasingly abstract.

Filmmaker Phan Dang Di, who mentored Nguyen Thien An during the CJ project, described the work as possessing a natural charm with a distinctive narrative voice - both humorous and satirical - offering deeper reflections on identity and human condition.

This achievement continues the trajectory of the CJ Short Film Project in elevating Vietnamese cinema internationally. Previous participants have gained recognition at major festivals, including Pham Ngoc Lan at Berlin, Pham Thien An at Cannes, and the duo Vu Minh Nghia and Pham Hoang Minh Thy at Venice.

The Cannes Film Festival, held annually in France, remains one of the most prestigious and influential events in global cinema, renowned for celebrating outstanding artistic achievements and launching the careers of independent filmmakers.

The 79th edition of the festival is scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23, 2026. This year’s event is expected to gather leading filmmakers from around the world, with a strong presence from Asian cinema. South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook will serve as jury president, while French actress Eye Haidara will host the event.

Huyen My