More than 2,700 people from 23 countries attended the opening of Vietnam Film Week in Paris on December 5.
The film event, titled “Journey of Light”, celebrates Vietnamese cinema and culture in the French capital. It also aims to strengthen cultural ties between Vietnam and France.
The opening featured the international premiere of Tu Chien Tren Khong (Hijacked) at Le Grand Rex. The event also included a live performance of the film’s soundtrack.
Le Grand Rex is one of Europe’s largest cinemas. Its setting added extra significance to the opening of the Vietnam Film Week in Paris.
A major event for Vietnamese culture and arts
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang described the event as an important moment for Vietnamese culture, arts and cinema.
Speaking to Vietnam News, Thang said French audiences and media had responded positively to the event.
He also expressed hope that the film week would create a lasting milestone for Vietnamese cinema. In addition, he highlighted its role in promoting cultural and cinematic exchanges between Vietnam and France.
Ngo Phuong Lan, chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association, also highlighted the importance of the event.
She said this was the first major Vietnamese film event to take place in Paris. The event also commemorates the 50th anniversary of national reunification and the 80th anniversary of Vietnam’s National Day.
The timing carries another connection to cinema history. December marks 130 years since the Lumiere brothers helped launch cinema as a modern art form.
17 Vietnamese films to be screened
The “Journey of Light” film week will screen 17 Vietnamese films before it ends on Friday.
The programme features films from different periods of Vietnamese cinema. It includes classics from the “doi moi” renewal period, as well as works from younger independent filmmakers.
The classic selection includes The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone by People’s Artist Nguyen Hong Sen. It also features When the Tenth Month Comes by People’s Artist Dang Nhat Minh and The Retired General by People’s Artist Nguyen Khac Loi.
Meanwhile, younger filmmakers bring a different perspective to the programme. Their films include Bi, Don’t Be Afraid, Cu Li Never Cries and Don’t Cry, Butterfly.
Ngo Phuong Lan said the organisers wanted international audiences to discover the diversity of Vietnamese cinema.
The programme therefore goes beyond the war films that international audiences often associate with Vietnam. Instead, it presents a wider view of the country’s filmmakers, stories and artistic voices.
The Vietnam Film Week in Paris also gives Vietnamese cinema an opportunity to reach new audiences. At the same time, the event highlights the growing importance of cultural exchange through film.
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