Discovery launches film-making competition in Vietnam

FTFM Vietnam will allow local filmmakers the opportunity to showcase their talent and gain recognition on an international level, through hands-on training and professional development from producers from Discovery Channel.

The initiative aims to recount the story of Vietnam over the past 20 years and the resulting five 30-minute documentaries will premiere on Discovery Channel next year.

Kevin Dickie, general manager and senior vice-president, Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said: “We hope to find compelling, original ideas that will be chapters in the story of Vietnam's extraordinary growth, and uncover new talent from here.”

The FTFM initiative is an ongoing effort by Discovery Channel to support the documentary industry, provide opportunities for non-fiction filmmakers in the region and showcase local stories of culture and people to the world.

Since its launch in Asia-Pacific in 2000, over 20 first time film-makers in Asia-Pacific have realised their dreams of bringing their ideas to life through the project.

Discovery has been highly active in recent months in expanding its presence in Asia. In August, it launched three 24-hour channels in India .

In July, Discovery and Chinese search engine Baidu teamed to launch Discovery Channel's Chinese website  allowing TV audiences in China to interact on a digital platform for the first time.

In June, Discovery launched a 24-hour Discovery HD channel  and a suite of other offerings through Taiwan Fixed Network under TWN Broadband, as part of its New TV digital service in Taiwan.