Festival promotes Vietnam – France friendship

The 2018 Vietnam – France Festival, themed ‘Sharing a Sky’, officially opened in Ho Chi Minh City on December 5, as part of activities to celebrate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

A performance by saxophonist Xuan Hieu at the festival (Photo: VNA)
A performance by saxophonist Xuan Hieu at the festival (Photo: VNA)

The six-day event will bring visitors to a special cultural and art space with nearly 20 unique programmes by artists from both Vietnam and France.

The festival opened with an art programme which featured the folk songs of Vietnam’s southern region, followed by romantic love songs of Vietnam and France performed by saxophonist Xuan Hieu accompanied by a combination of Vietnamese and French musical instruments.

On the occasion, the history of development of Ho Chi Minh City before 1975 will be reproduced at IDECAF centre through an exhibition of old objects, such as motorcycles, music phones and other tools.

In addition, miniature models highlighting the Second World War and wars in Vietnam, as well as houses and street corners of Saigon, will be on display.

On December 9, artists from Hong Hac Theatre will perform the play titled ‘Eugenie Grandet’ which was adapted from the original work of the same name by the great French writer Honore Balzac.

Vietnamese people will have a chance to learn more about Western cuisine with delicious food, particularly from France, being offered at the cultural space.

Notably, a France – Vietnam Film Week will be held from December 6-10, screening over ten classic movies of the two countries.

The closing ceremony for the festival will take place on December 10 with art performances by numerous artists from Vietnam, France and the Republic of Korea (RoK), especially the dance titled ‘365 days’ choreographed by dancer Ta Thuy Chi.