Vietnam – Europe Documentary Film Festival The 14th edition is a unique cultural exchange activity, a highlight of the cooperation journey between European countries and Vietnam in the field of cinema. This year, the Goethe Institute, the British Council, the Embassies of Austria, Spain, Italy, Finland, Sweden, Israel, and the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation (Belgium) will participate in the Film Festival.
| The event was jointly organized by the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism), the European Union of Cultural Institutes and Embassies (EUNIC) and Israel. Photo: Organizing Committee |
Sharing with reporters, Mr. Trinh Quang Tung – Deputy General Director of the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio said: “Each screening will introduce a Vietnamese documentary and then a foreign documentary. Within the framework of this year’s Film Festival, the Documentary Film Studio will have a screening of films by independent Vietnamese authors. The films participating in this year’s Film Festival, although carrying their own messages, in general, audiences who love documentary cinema will have the opportunity to explore more about the country, people and different cultures.”
“Another difference from last year is that we will have an independent film screening day for independent authors. But that film has also achieved a lot of success in film festivals. I think this is a good opportunity for young directors, for young directors to rub shoulders with each other, from there we will find new directors, with new voices, different from the film genre that we have long called mainstream film,” Mr. Trinh Quang Tung added.
According to Mr. Oliver Brandt – President of EUNIC Vietnam, Director of Goethe Institute Hanoi, documentaries provide unique perspectives on topics rarely encountered in everyday life, helping us to see the world through new lenses. By presenting these topics artistically, documentaries provide depth of thought and evoke emotional responses. They challenge audiences to re-evaluate their own views, expose social issues and encourage personal development.
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| Mr. Trinh Quang Tung – Deputy General Director of Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio spoke. Photo: Organizing Committee |
14th Vietnam – Europe Documentary Film Festival Introducing films from Vietnam and 9 other countries, including: Finland, Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Italy, Spain The selected Vietnam series focuses on preserving cultural heritage, especially traditional arts and games, as a means of connecting generations and healing historical rifts.
European films explore the power of artistic practices, including singing, music, visual arts, traditional arts and sports, to confront the alienation of modernity, fostering connection, healing and collective growth, in a complex and contradictory world. In this world, many individuals become heroes as they overcome adversity, from pandemics and wars to harmful practices, to survive, fight for change and create legacy.
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| Photo: Organizing Committee |
Childhood, education, and the adult experience also feature prominently, exploring the challenges and opportunities of navigating an increasingly diverse, hyperconnected world.
“Documentaries offer a unique opportunity to explore other countries and gain a deeper understanding of our complex, multifaceted world. They play an important role in promoting intercultural dialogue between Vietnam and Europe. This year, the emphasis on culture and the future of humanity – children – is particularly appropriate for the documentary format and experience of a Film Festival,” said Oliver Brandt.
During the 9 days (from September 6 to 14), the audience will enjoy outstanding documentary films, many of which have won prestigious awards such as: Dao Tan’s Flame (Director Trinh Quang Tung), Memory River (Director Nguyen Thuoc), One Person Among Millions (Director Joya Thome), Going Towards the Sun (Director Dao Duc Thanh), Symphony from the Cracks (Director Yuval Hameiri), Circle (Director Sophie Chiarello)…
Simultaneously, Film Festival also introduced to Hanoi audiences 4 films by independent authors including: Mother loves her child the most in the world (Director Huong Na Nguyen), Child goes to school (Director Ha Le Diem), In the middle of the alluvial river (Director Nguyen Ngoc Thao Ly), Mrs. Ba Lien’s boat farm (Director Nguyen Thu Huong).