The festival, organised by the National Documentary and Scientific Film Studio (DSF) under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the European Union National Institutes for Culture (EUNIC), aims to introduce outstanding documentary films to the public while fostering cultural exchanges between the EU and Vietnam.
According to Trinh Quang Tung, Deputy General Director of the DSF, the festival has become a significant cultural event for both domestic and international audiences.
This year’s festival will explore new themes, particularly focusing on issues related to children and human rights. The films will provide audiences with insights into various cultures and contemporary global issues.
The festival also offers a platform for filmmakers to exchange ideas and techniques, potentially leading to future collaborations between Vietnamese and international filmmakers.
Oliver Brandt, Chairman of EUNIC and Director of the Goethe-Institute Hanoi, emphasised that documentaries offer unique perspectives on rare topics, encouraging deeper thinking and emotional responses from viewers. These films help audiences better understand the cultural and social life of other nations, promoting intercultural dialogue between Vietnam and Europe.
The festival will feature 13 Vietnamese documentaries, including "Dong Song Ky Uc" (Reminiscence River), "Ngon Lua Dao Tan" (Dao Tan fire), and nine international films from Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Israel, Italy, Spain, Sweden and the UK.
These films explore themes like the power of art, cultural heritage preservation, and overcoming modern-day challenges. Screenings will take place at the DSF Theatre in Hanoi and DCINE Theatre Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City.
