On the evening of November 25, the closing ceremony and awards presentation of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival took place in Ho Chi Minh City. The organizers honored outstanding works, individuals, and teams in feature films, documentaries, science films, and animated films.
In the documentary category, Voice of Conscience (International Broadcasting Department VTV4 - VTV) was awarded the Silver Lotus.
Produced in 2025, the 42-minute film was written and directed by Pham Thuy Linh. Cao Quang Toan and Pham Tuan Anh were the directors of photography and sound. Vu Thuy Hang was the editor and production coordinator and Vu Quoc Dung handled the editing.
Director Pham Thuy Linh during the production of the film. Photo: Courtesy.
Speaking on behalf of the crew, director and screenwriter Pham Thuy Linh (Lina Pham) said she was surprised and delighted that the film received the prestigious Silver Lotus Award at a festival known for its strict selection standards and recognition of valuable cinematic and documentary works.
“As someone who came to filmmaking from another background, I feel grateful and honored to receive this award. It also brings me a deep sense of gratitude. This will surely motivate me to continue pursuing my passion on the journey ahead”, said director Pham Thuy Linh.
The Silver Lotus Award-winning film Voice of Conscience tells the ten-year journey of Tom Wilber, a son determined to uncover the truth about his father’s past. His father was a US pilot who was shot down over Vietnam in 1968. The film is a moving story of understanding and reconciliation.
The Silver Lotus award-winning film “Voice of Conscience” tells the ten-year journey of Tom Wilber, a son determined to uncover the truth about his father’s past. His father was a US pilot who was shot down over Vietnam in 1968. The film is a moving story of understanding and reconciliation.
During his quest, Tom learns that his father had been treated humanely at Hoa Lo Prison, an experience which awakened him and later inspired his staunch anti-war stance. Through meetings with Vietnamese people connected to his father’s past, Tom gained a more profound insight into his father’s choices, which were rooted in humanity and conscience. From there, he continues to promote peace and reconciliation.
Director Pham Thuy Linh is a senior journalist specializing in international affairs and foreign economic news at the International Broadcasting Department of Vietnam Television. She has produced four documentaries, three of which focus on war, reconciliation, and post-war recovery. She holds several awards, including the Golden Hammer and Sickle Award, the National Press Award, and the Silver Medal at the National Television Festival.
