From VEN Land: Inspired by Vietnam
Bringing you closer to Vietnam’s wild heart and the people protecting it
When Everything Comes Together
When Everything Comes Together is a short documentary that explores the deep connection between people and nature. Through stunning visuals and heartfelt storytelling, the film shows how every part of life plants, animals, oceans, and humans is linked together in one beautiful and fragile system. It also encourages viewers to think about how modern life, pollution, and the overuse of natural resources have created distance between us and the environment. At its heart, the film is a gentle reminder that caring for nature means caring for ourselves. By reconnecting with the natural world, we can rediscover a sense of wonder, balance, and belonging that brings everything and everyone together.
Meet Scott and Jydee
Scott and Jydee are experienced dive instructors who have spent years capturing the beauty and wonder of marine life. Their deep connection to the ocean has shaped their understanding of nature’s fragility and the importance of protecting it. As part of the VEN Community Engagement Program, they stepped on to land for the first time as filmmakers learning the art of storytelling, scriptwriting, and visual narration. With When Everything Comes Together, Scott and Jydee merge their underwater experience with a fresh perspective on life above the surface inviting us all to rediscover our connection with the natural world.
The wonders of Son Tra A call for conservation
The Wonders of Son Trà A Call for Conservation takes you into one of Vietnam’s last wild forests, home to rare langurs, diverse wildlife, and a fragile ecosystem.
As tourism and development grow, this unique landscape faces increasing pressure. Nearly half of the world’s red-shanked douc langurs live here, making Son Trà a place of global importance.
Through intimate moments in nature, the film invites viewers to see, feel, and understand why this remarkable place is worth protecting.
Meet Pepe
Pepe is a traveler from Spain who left a career in finance to follow his passion for nature, culture, and storytelling. Having visited more than 30 countries, he is deeply curious about the world and the people who protect it.
Now based in Vietnam, Pepe is developing his skills in photography, video making, and writing to share meaningful stories about places like Son Trà and the wildlife that lives there.
He brings curiosity, respect, and a strong desire to learn to every project he joins.
BEHIND THE SCENCES PEPE
Remnants of Wild
Remnants of Wild is a short documentary by Julia that explores the beauty and fragile balance of Son Tra Peninsula. Through quiet, intimate moments, the film invites viewers to slow down and appreciate both its landscapes and the wildlife that call it home.
It serves as a gentle reminder of our responsibility to protect this unique place for both people and nature.
Meet Julia
Julia is a Vietnamese filmmaker based in Da Nang, where Son Tra Peninsula is not just a subject, but part of her home. This personal connection shapes her work, giving it a sense of intimacy and care. Through her films, she captures quiet, meaningful moments that invite reflection and encourage viewers to appreciate the beauty of the natural world.
BEHIND THE SCENCES JULIA
Son Tra
A prominent case study
On the edge of Đà Nẵng lies the Sơn Trà Peninsula, a rare forest to sea ecosystem and home to the critically endangered Red-shanked Douc Langur.
This film explores a natural sanctuary under pressure and the people working to protect it. As development advances, Sơn Trà stands as a powerful example of what it takes to safeguard biodiversity in a rapidly changing world.
Meet Sang
Sáng is the filmmaker behind this project. He is currently studying in Japan, where he is gaining experience that shapes how he approaches visual storytelling and documentary work.
In this film, he focuses on the Sơn Trà Peninsula, its wildlife, and the people connected to it.
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BEHIND THE SCENCES SANG
Son Tra - A forest that holds life
The Son Tra Peninsula is a place where nature thrives in its purest form. Among its lush forests lives the red-shanked douc langur, an endangered primate that moves gracefully and lives peacefully.
This short film explores their daily life, capturing the beauty, energy, and harmony of the natural world. It is a reminder of the importance of protecting these forests and the creatures that call them home, so that future generations can also experience their wonder.
Meet Dimitra
Dimitra, a Greek traveler and volunteer, is passionate about connecting with people and exploring nature and local cultures. With experience in photography, and content creation, she brings a curious and open-minded approach to every adventure.
In this film, Dimitra shares her journey of discovering authentic places and meaningful connections, showing how travel can celebrate culture, nature, and community.
BEHIND THE SCENCES DIMITRA
Web of Life
Sơn Trà is more than just a piece of land.
Located in Đà Nẵng, this protected peninsula is home to a rare forest–ocean ecosystem and is one of the most biodiverse areas in Vietnam.
This short documentary explores how everything in nature is connected from the smallest creatures to the oldest trees. It reveals how the remains of one animal can nourish another, and how every living being plays a role in sustaining the whole.
Using Sơn Trà as an example, the film tells a story of balance, cooperation, and coexistence, showing the quiet beauty of an ecosystem where life supports life.
Meet Patryk
Patryk is a storyteller from Poland with a deep appreciation for nature and the hidden connections that shape our world.
Through his work, he captures the quiet details many people overlook, revealing the beauty, balance, and complexity of natural ecosystems.
His perspective combines curiosity, patience, and a strong visual sense, allowing him to turn real environments into meaningful stories.
With every project, Patryk aims to inspire a deeper understanding of how closely all living things are connected.
BEHIND THE SCENCES PATRYK
A Home Between Mountains and the Sea
Valeria’s film takes us on a powerful journey through Da Nang and the Son Tra Peninsula a place where tradition and modern life meet. Through her lens, we see how people, nature, and the growing city are deeply connected.
The documentary explores the beauty and the challenges of this changing region: from lively markets and fishing villages to the rapid rise of urban skylines. At its heart is the story of the endangered red-shanked douc langur, the effects of plastic pollution, and the inspiring local efforts to protect coral reefs and natural habitats.
With honesty and care, Valeria shows that protecting nature is not only possible but essential. Her film reminds us that every action matters and asks a simple question that concerns us all: how will we choose to live in the future?
Meet Valeria
Valeria is a passionate storyteller, traveler, and advocate for sustainability who brings creativity and purpose to everything she does.
Originally from Mexico, she has carried her curiosity and compassion across continents from volunteering in wildlife conservation in Bali to supporting innovation projects in Portugal and mentoring students in the UK.
Her experiences have shaped her into someone deeply committed to making a positive impact on both people and the planet. Valeria believes in the power of education, empathy, and community action to drive meaningful change.
Through her volunteer work, she has inspired young people to care for their environment and learned that true fulfillment comes from giving and connecting with others.
Valeria continues to explore, learn, and share stories that remind us of our shared responsibility.
Small Creatures, Big Impact
"Small Creatures, Big Impact" takes viewers into the unseen world of Son Tra’s insects the tiny heroes that keep the forest alive. Through stunning close-ups and gentle storytelling, the film reveals how bees, beetles, ants, and dragonflies each play a crucial role in maintaining balance and biodiversity.
Amid growing pressures from tourism, pesticides, and climate change, their fragile world faces serious threats. Yet, the film offers hope showing that by protecting habitats and restoring natural systems, we can help nature heal and thrive again.
This short documentary is a celebration of life in its smallest forms, reminding us that even the tiniest creatures have an extraordinary impact on the planet we all share.
Meet Laura
With a First-Class Honours degree in Media, Film, and Television from Nottingham Trent University, she brings a strong creative vision and professional expertise to her filmmaking. Drawing on over eight years of experience in television production, she has a keen eye for storytelling, composition, and engaging visuals.
Her extensive travels spanning 47 countries across all five continents inspire her work, allowing her to capture diverse cultures, landscapes, and human stories with authenticity and depth. This film reflects her passion for exploring the natural world and its delicate balance, translating her global experiences into a compelling and visually rich narrative.
A Shared Place – The Story of Coexistence
Inspired by the storytelling style of Sir David Attenborough, “A Shared Place – The Story of Coexistence” is a 27-minute documentary by Taya Xiao Skaaning, created during her three-week stay with VEN in Da Nang. From bustling coastlines and urban rhythms to the hidden forests of Son Tra and vibrant marine life, A Shared Place captures the beauty and complexity of this dynamic region. But more than just a celebration of nature, the film is a heartfelt call to protect it. With several species facing endangerment, the documentary reminds us of the urgent need to preserve our shared environment — because this world is not ours alone. A Shared Place invites us to slow down, look closer, and reflect on how we coexist with the natural world.
Meet Taya Xiao Skaaning
Hailing from Denmark, Taya recently completed her bachelor’s degree in architecture and design in the summer of 2024. Though her academic background may seem far from community work or conservation at first glance, her perspective reshapes the definition of design. For Taya, architecture is not about buildings, it’s about vision, communication, sustainability, and inclusion of people, animals, and nature alike.
Her journey has gradually shifted toward education and storytelling, with a growing passion for using communication as a tool to inspire awareness and change. A lifelong animal lover, Taya has long dreamed of becoming a wildlife photographer. Her deep concern for climate change and the endangerment of animals fuels her creative drive to capture stories through photography and film.
From volunteering to promote universal design and mental health in Denmark, to working at a hostel in Portugal, and supporting students in a private school in a rural province of Cebu, the Philippines, Taya brings with her a global mindset and a compassionate heart. She sees this project as a unique chance to combine her creative skills, love for animals, and desire to make a positive impact—through visuals, stories, and empathy.
ResilientSea
ResilientSea takes viewers on a short but powerful journey into the fragile world of Da Nang’s coral reefs. In just two and a half minutes, the film shows vibrant fish, colorful corals, and the life that depends on these underwater ecosystems, while also revealing the threats they face from tourism, pollution, and climate change. Amid the challenges, there is hope: new coral buds grow, and locals work to protect the reef. Through immersive visuals and storytelling, ResilientSea is more than a documentary, it is a call to action to safeguard the ocean for future generations.
Meet Bradley
Bradley, 29, from the United States, is a mechanical engineer, traveler, and passionate photographer. He has explored cultures around the world, from hiking the Himalayas and staying at a Buddhist monastery in Nepal to volunteering in Madagascar. During a two-week volunteer placement with VEN, he created a meaningful short film about a local coral reef in Da Nang. Bradley combines creativity, a passion for marine environments, and a flexible, productive working style.
Beneath the Waves
Beneath the Waves: A Silent Call for Protection – a short documentary by Junis tells the story of a young woman whose visit to a seafood restaurant leaves her haunted by the sight of captive marine animals. Determined to see them in the wild, she embarks on a journey that leads to the vibrant reefs of Da Nang. Guided by a freediving instructor, she discovers the fragile beauty of life underwater and reflects on the freedom all creatures deserve. With serene visuals and honest reflections, the film is both a personal journey and a quiet call to protect our oceans.
Meet Junis
Junis Appel, 19, from Germany, is a passionate animal and nature lover with a strong interest in photography, videography, and conservation. She grew up surrounded by animals and today cares for two dogs, three cats, and a hamster. In her free time, Junis enjoys dancing hip-hop, playing tennis, and exploring the outdoors through hiking, swimming, and diving. After finishing school, she decided to dedicate time to volunteer projects to actively contribute to wildlife protection. With creativity, curiosity, and a deep motivation to raise awareness for biodiversity, Junis is preparing to study biology and continue her path in conservation.
"It Is All Simple at the End"
In this poetic short film, French artist and filmmaker Alice Delabriere takes us on a sensory journey through chaos and calm. Filmed during her one-month stay with Viet Endangered Narratives (VEN) in Danang, Alice explores the tension between urban overwhelm and the serenity of the wild. From joyful moments in the forest to the dizzying noise of the city, her return to nature reminds us where true peace lies. This film was created as part of VEN’s Wildlife Filming Program, a minimum two-week immersive experience for young filmmakers, artists, conservationists, or anyone who simply cares about the environment. We invite you to join us in Vietnam and raise your voice on global environmental issues through creative storytelling.
Meet Alice
Alice is an aspiring artist with a deep passion for creativity, travel, and helping others. After discovering art therapy during a hospital stay in 2021, she found a new purpose: using art to connect with people and make a positive difference in their lives.
Through drawing and photography, she loves capturing the stories of people she meets, finding inspiration in everyday moments and the world around her. For her, traveling is not just about discovering new places, but also about connecting with people, learning from their experiences, and finding new ways to create.
Eager to explore more of the world, she brings compassion, curiosity, and a strong desire to help others through the power of art and storytelling.
Beneath our Feet
"Beneath our feet"is a short-documentary by Remi which invites you into the miniature world of Son Tra’s small inhabitants — the tiny yet powerful creatures live in their own world which is still connected to ours. Remi wants to encourage you to slow down and take a breath to appreciate this small ecosystem and its own beauty. While paying more attention to small details we can explore many interesting species and behaviors within an area that we would just overstep otherwise.
Meet Remi
Remi is a young traveler from the Netherlands, currently taking a gap year after graduating from Pantarijn in Wageningen in 2025. With a growing interest in nature, photography, and exploring different cultures, he is eager to discover new places and experiences.
Having traveled across Europe with friends and family, he also joined a nature expedition to Corsica with the Dutch youth organization JNM, where he explored the outdoors and developed a deeper connection with the natural world.
With experience in event photography, customer service, and teamwork, he brings enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to learn to every new adventure.
BEHIND THE SCENCES REMI
"The search for cold eyes"
What makes an animal worthy of our attention, our curiosity, or our compassion? Joanne's short documentary "The Search for Cold Eyes" takes us on her personal journey through the forests of Son Tra in search of something less familiar — snakes, reptiles, and other animals that are often feared or misunderstood. Along the way, she explores why we are naturally drawn to animals that appear cute and familiar, while others are met with fear, disgust, or even hate. Through days of searching, unexpected discoveries, and a night spent exploring the forest, Joanne encounters a world filled with frogs, lizards, spiders, and eventually, the cold eyes she was looking for. Snakes. But the journey becomes about more than finding a snake. It becomes about learning how to look at the animals we are not used to seeing — not as monsters or threats, but simply as living beings playing their own role within the ecosystem. Let Joanne inspire you to reflect on how you to look beyond what is familiar. Her film reminds us that a life does not need to look beautiful or appealing to deserve our understanding and compassion.
Second Nature
The forests of Son Tra feel like a place of freedom — open roads, ocean views, and the ability to go wherever we choose. But for some, that freedom comes at a cost. Luka's short documentary "Second Nature" takes a closer look at the macaque monkeys of Son Tra, revealing a quieter reality behind the beauty. As human presence grows, roads expand, and interactions increase, the space for wildlife begins to shrink. What feels like freedom for us can slowly become restriction for them. Macaques move through a landscape that is no longer entirely theirs. Crossing roads, navigating human activity, and adapting to constant change — their daily lives are shaped by our choices. Let Luka invite you to reflect on what freedom truly means. His film reminds us that the way we use and move through natural spaces has consequences, and that protecting wildlife also means allowing them the freedom to simply exist.
"Queens and Kings of Vietnam"
Take a break and feel the freedom of traveling through the beauty of the Son Tra Peninsula. This journey invites you into a peaceful and grounding environment — something many people long for in the midst of everyday life. But eventually, reality returns: the hustle of life, constant movement, the pressure, the noise, and the endless overload that your body has carried each day. Within the forests of Son Tra, the true Kings and Queens continue to thrive. Watch the ancient banyan trees, the Red-shanked Douc Langurs, the kingfishers, and countless other species that all are playing a role in protecting and sustaining the ecosystem that keeps us alive. By demonstrating the contrast between the harmony of nature and another reality that is being built every day, this short film reflects on how we are slowly being pushed away from the essence of humanity and our connection to the natural world.
CHOOSE YOUR FUTURE
A few simple words that can shape the direction of your entire journey.
"Insects of Son Tra"
In Son Tra, life unfolds in countless forms, each playing a part in a larger, connected system. Hannah's short documentary "Insects of Son Tra" brings us into the tiny world of insects through macro photography, revealing not only the complexity that sustains this ecosystem, but also the incredible diversity and vibrant colors found within it. Her film invites us to see how these small lives contribute to something much greater — a network where every species has its role. As we continue to share these spaces, the question becomes how we choose to exist within them. Let Hannah invite you to look closer and learn. Her work reminds us that through awareness and education, we can find ways to live alongside other ecosystems with care — respecting the balance that already exists.
