Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the festival drew 144 submissions across various genres, including 16 feature films, 36 documentaries, 14 science films, and 21 animated films.

The Best Feature Film category was one of the most anticipated, featuring 16 entries released to the public over the past three years.

On stage, director and Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen accepted the award on behalf of the film crew and the People's Army Cinema, expressing deep gratitude to the jury and festival organizers.

“This was a challenging but glorious journey,” she said. “We are forever thankful to the audience for extending our beautiful dream. This award is dedicated to the heroic martyrs who gave their lives so that we may live today.”

As the cast passed the golden trophy from hand to hand, their bond and pride in the film’s achievement lit up the stage.

In addition to Best Feature Film, Red Rain collected four individual awards: Best Production Design (Vu Viet Hung), Best Visual Effects, Best Supporting Actor (Phuong Nam), and Best Sound.

Just three days prior, the film received news of being selected as Vietnam’s official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 98th Academy Awards - an announcement that was widely supported by critics and industry insiders.

Released in August, Red Rain shattered Vietnamese box office records with revenue surpassing 700 billion VND (approximately 28.6 million USD), earning both commercial success and critical acclaim.

Other notable awards from the festival included:

A special recognition for “films shot in Ho Chi Minh City” went to The Tunnel, filmed on location in Cu Chi.

Directors Victor Vu, Tran Thanh, and Phan Gia Nhat Linh each received jury prizes for their respective feature films: Detective Kien, Mai, and Leaving Mother Behind.

The “Inspirational Work” award was given to the animated film The Legend of the Azalea Blossom.

People's Artist Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Culture and Sports, presented awards for outstanding sound and music in animated, documentary, and feature films.

Dr. Do Lenh Hung Tu and actress Mai Thu Huyen awarded technical prizes in visual effects, cinematography, and design.

Silver Lotus awards went to The Tunnel, Airborne Battle, Sister-in-Law (feature films); Return, Echoes of Mount Nua (animated); Will the Cranes Return South? (science); and Seven Journeys of Diem Phung Thi, Voice of Conscience (documentary).

Director Ly Hai presented awards across multiple categories. Director Ham Tran surprised audiences by winning Best Feature Film Director for Airborne Battle, while Thu Trang won Best Debut Director for The Billion-Dollar Kiss.

Tuan Tran and Phuong Anh Dao won Best Leading Actor and Actress in a Feature Film but were absent due to prior commitments. Hong Dao and Bao Dinh were named Best Supporting Actors.