Within the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Faculty of Psychology and Liberal Education, University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), Vietnam National University, Hanoi and the Faculty of Psychology, Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, the Final Round and Award Ceremony of the Undergrads Southeast Asian Psych-Film Fest officially took place on May 18, 2026, with the participation of competing teams from Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Originating from the idea of creating short films on psychological and mental health topics by students of the Faculty of Psychology and Liberal Education, the competition gradually evolved into an academic and artistic platform fostering regional connection across Southeast Asia. Initial emails and collaborative discussions began in March 2025, before the two institutions officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding in early 2026, laying the foundation for the organization of this year’s competition.

The film festival aims to encourage students to explore issues related to psychology and student mental health through the creative language of cinema. More than merely a competition, the Psych-Film Fest serves as an opportunity for students from different countries to share perspectives, experiences, and diverse approaches to psychological issues that are increasingly gaining social attention today.

This year’s Final Round brought together nine outstanding teams representing Indonesia, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Representing Vietnam were five competing teams: VN_GROUP 4 – NOMOPHOBIA – THE FEAR OF BEING WITHOUT A PHONE; VN_Big Hero 6 – Today’s Notebook; VN_CHUNG CU VAN HOA – AWAKEN – THUC TINH; VN_GROUP10_PSF1050_6 – DO IT DIFFERENTLY!; VN_GROUP3_PSF1050-2 – WHERE THE LIGHT GETS IN

Speaking at the event, Dr. Dao Thi Dieu Linh, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology and Liberal Education, expressed her sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Jati Ariati, the leadership board of the Faculty of Psychology, and the Board of Rectors of Diponegoro University, Semarang, Indonesia, for their valuable support and for hosting this year’s event. According to Dr.Dao Thi Dieu Linh, the competition represents a meaningful and beneficial platform, offering excellent opportunities not only for students but also for lecturers from participating countries to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from one another through creative academic activities.

In addition, the representative of the Faculty of Psychology and Liberal Education extended appreciation to Dr. Ruth Sanchez from the Department of Psychology, Caraga State University, Philippines, for her collaboration and willingness to co-organize the competition alongside international partners.

Through the submitted works, students from participating countries presented diverse perspectives on issues such as academic pressure, technology dependence, psychological healing, human connection, and journeys of overcoming emotional trauma. The films not only reflected students’ creativity but also demonstrated the growing concern of younger generations regarding mental health in the contemporary context.

The Faculty of Psychology and Liberal Education hopes that the Undergrads Southeast Asian Psych-Film Fest will become a starting point for broader and deeper collaborative activities among universities in the region, opening further opportunities for student exchange, professional cooperation, and joint research initiatives for lecturers and researchers in the future.

Huyền My/ĐSTT