Heading West

Duration: 29:25 | 2025 | Director, Scriptwriter, Producer, Editor

LOGLINE

Rumor has it that the government will construct a nuclear power plant, the five high schoolers, Tam, Nhan, Y, Son, and Ha, decide to chase the Sun together to make their first and only film about their hometown before everyone leaves.

* headingwest-presskit.framer.website

* instagram.com/headingwestshortfilm/

SELECTED AWARDS AND ACHIEVEMENT

Official Selection - The Beijing International Children's Film Festival 2026

Asian Perspectives Shorts – 20th Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival

Official Selection – Bangkok International Film Festival 2025

KONIMA+ 2025 Screening (Vietnam)

Ồ Ạt Oh Art Festival 2025 – Screening (Vietnam)

Official Selection, Audience Choice Award (Winner) – Xinê Xem Fest 2025

Silver Light Prize – Seoul International Kids & Youth Film Festival

Asia-Pacific Culture Special Focus Award (Winner)

New Order Youth International Film Festival

Instagram

Presskit

Director's Statement:

"The film is set in Thai An village, Ninh Thuan province, in 2011. This location was initially chosen for a nuclear power project, which was halted after the Fukushima disaster. "Heading West" reflects on the fear and departures that followed.

"Heading West" captures high school students' creative journey with a vibrant tone, symbolizing the bittersweet experience of first-time filmmaking. The film draws parallels with "Journey to the West" (China, 1986) and "An Odyssey to the West" (Hongkong, 1994), exploring themes of hope, loss, and identity.

It serves as a tribute to childhood summers and the personal struggles of filmmakers, blending nostalgia with cinematic reflections."