Entertainment

The Captivating Narrative of Europe and Vietnam: A Documentary Exploration

The European-Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival 2024 is set to be a spectacular showcase of cultural diversity and a powerful platform for Vietnamese filmmakers to connect with their global counterparts. With a carefully curated selection of films with similar themes, the festival will celebrate the unique perspectives and storytelling of Vietnamese filmmakers while fostering international collaboration and exchange.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

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A total of 27 selected documentaries from Vietnam, Europe, and Israel will grace the screens at the 14th European-Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival. This diverse collection of films will be presented in pairs, with 18 representations from Vietnam, eight from European nations, and one from Israel, a Middle Eastern country.

The festival, a collaborative effort between the National Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, EUNIC, European embassies, and the Embassy of Israel, will unfold from September 6 to 14 at the Film Studio in Hanoi and DCine Ben Thanh Cinema in Ho Chi Minh City.

These documentaries are thoughtfully paired based on commonalities in their subject matter, themes, and modes of expression. On September 11, for instance, the films Talking to Your Kid About Sex (Vietnam) and Il Cerchio (Circle) will share the spotlight. Both narratives revolve around children, offering insights into their growth and development from unique perspectives.

A still from Il Cerchio, directed by Sophie Chiarello. Courtesy of EUNIC

Directed by Do Thi Huyen Trang, Talking to Your Kid About Sex delves into the important topic of sex education for children and teenagers. In contrast, Il Cerchio, helmed by Sophie Chiarello, focuses on elementary school students and their circle discussions. These conversations range from childhood curiosities like Santa Claus and friendship to more mature topics such as women’s roles in society, multiethnic issues, and immigration. Both films are directed by women, offering a unique feminine perspective.

Another highlight of the festival is the film I am Chance, which will be screened on September 9. This is the only film at the festival with an R rating. It offers a raw and honest look at the lives of young girls living on the streets of Congo and their resilience in the face of adversity. On the same day, Going towards the Sun, directed by the Vietnam National Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, will also be presented. This film showcases the powerful stories of ethnic minority women battling against harmful customs, showcasing their indomitable spirit and aspirations for a better life.

The festival also shines a light on the connection between music and traditional art forms through films like Fire of Dao Tan, which emphasizes the importance of preserving Tuong, a form of Vietnamese classical drama, and Karaoke Paradise, which explores how Finns find connection and expression through karaoke.

According to Nguyen Quang Tuan, Chairman of the National Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, each screening will begin with a Vietnamese documentary, followed by a foreign documentary. The Film Studio will also host a special segment featuring films by independent Vietnamese auteurs as part of the festival.

“While the films at this year’s festival convey distinct messages, they also offer audiences a window into different countries, people, and cultures,” said Tuan. “Those who appreciate documentary cinema will have a unique opportunity to expand their horizons.”

Oliver Brandt, President of EUNIC Vietnam and Director of the Goethe-Institut Hanoi, emphasized the power of documentaries to offer fresh perspectives on issues we rarely encounter daily. “Documentaries present these issues in an artistic light, stimulating our thoughts and evoking emotions,” he said. “They challenge us to rethink our viewpoints, shed light on societal issues, and inspire personal growth.”

Brandt also noted that the selection of Vietnamese films underscores the importance of preserving cultural heritage, especially traditional arts and games, as a bridge between generations and a means of healing historical divisions.

The European films in the festival, according to Brandt, “explore the transformative power of the arts, including song, music, visual arts, traditional arts, and sports, in addressing modern alienation, fostering connections, and promoting collective healing and growth in a complex and contradictory world.”

In this world, ordinary individuals become heroes by conquering adversity, be it pandemics, wars, or harmful customs. They survive, advocate for change, and leave a lasting impact. The festival also highlights themes of childhood, education, and coming-of-age, exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by an increasingly interconnected and diverse global community.

“Documentary films open a window to the world, fostering intercultural dialogue between Vietnam and Europe,” said Brandt. “This year’s focus on culture and the future generation through the lens of documentary cinema promises a thought-provoking and enriching experience for audiences.”