HCM CITY (VNS)— Movie critics predict that two of the seven documentary films produced by young, amateur filmmakers in Ha Noi will win the Golden Lotus Bud award this year.

As many as 48 short documentaries and short films have been nominated for the Golden Lotus Bud 2013 awards, which are presented annually by We Are Filmmakers (WAFM) project.

The WAFM is a long-term programme aimed to encourage young people to become involved in filmmaking. It was launched in 2009 by the Ha Noi-based Center for Assistance and Development of Movie Talent (TPD).

The two documentaries Nguyen Linh (The Soul) and Chung Toi Da Cuoi (We Got Married) were entered by Le Thu Minh, and Nguyen Ha Phuong and Mai Thi Bup.

The 22-minute Nguyen Linh, directed and written by Minh, targets youth and their lifestyles.

The film includes information about the abortion rate among teenagers and young single women in urban areas, and discusses social problems and challenges that youth face without guidance from family and school.

The 20-minute Chung Toi Da Cuoi, produced by Phuong and Bup, is a short story of a disabled couple, Hanh and his wife, Them, who live in Ha Noi. They face many obstacles and difficulties to live and love.

Director Minh said she and her colleagues wanted to make quality documentary films that would appeal to young audiences.

"We hope our production provides young people with useful lessons about life, love, honour and ambition," said Minh. She said that her crew had worked hard to bring the story to life in a realistic way.

Another Golden Lotus Bud nominee, Ban Dong Hanh (Fellow Traveller), focuses on a group of young people who take a trip to the top of Mount Fansipan, Indochina's highest mountain.

Other documentaries and films nominated for the Golden Lotus Bud awards cover cultural and social issues.

A jury panel that includes dozens of veteran directors and cameramen such as Bui Thac Chuyen, Phan Huyen Thu and Phan Dang Di will choose the winners from the 12 nominees.

The awards ceremony will take place in Ha Noi on July 28. — VNS