The documentary series is the result of joint efforts by the defence ministries of the two countries. Notably, the episode was filmed in Cuba at a time when the island nation is striving to overcome severe difficulties caused by an energy crisis and the prolonged blockade and sanctions.
The making of the episode was described as a “command from the heart”, born of the dedication, inspiration and unwavering conviction of Vietnamese filmmakers in the shared revolutionary cause of the two peoples.
The documentary vividly portrays the essence of a “revolutionary vision” — the ability to envision a new order and steadfastly move towards the future. President Ho Chi Minh and Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro both embodied such a vision, transforming their aspirations for national independence into resolute action.
The film’s ideological and historical depth is further enriched by interviews with senior leaders, including General Secretary and President To Lam, leaders of Viet Nam’s Ministry of National Defence, and senior Party and State leaders of Cuba.
The legacy left by the two leaders to their peoples is an enduring body of thought whose values transcend time, providing a source of strength for present and future generations as they continue shaping their nations’ future.
At the premiere, Cuban Ambassador to Viet Nam Rogelio Polanco Fuentes expressed his deep emotion and recalled President Ho Chi Minh’s words: “Viet Nam and Cuba are thousands of miles apart, but the hearts of their peoples are as close as those of brothers in one family.”
Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes noted that solidarity between the two nations has been further strengthened through the efforts of Viet Nam’s Ministry of National Defence, the General Department of Politics of the Viet Nam People’s Army, the Military Broadcasting Centre and other participating agencies. Despite the difficulties and challenges facing Cuba, they successfully completed the 6th in a remarkably short period of time.
The Ambassador affirmed that Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro held the Viet Nam People’s Army in the highest regard for its heroism, immense sacrifices and steadfast struggle for national independence and sovereignty.
The great ideals of liberation and the aspirations of the Vietnamese and Cuban peoples to contribute to humanity will endure, alongside their shared commitment to the global struggle for justice and righteous causes, against oppression and injustice.
On this occasion, the Cuban Ambassador also praised Viet Nam’s “500-Day-and-Night Campaign” to search for, recover and identify the remains of fallen soldiers, describing it as an extraordinary undertaking imbued with profound humanitarian significance and involving the entire Party, armed forces and people of Viet Nam.
This sacred journey has inspired deep emotion, admiration and gratitude among international friends towards those carrying out this noble mission.
Recalling history, the Cuban Ambassador cited Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro’s historic visit to the liberated zone of Quang Tri in 1973. Standing on Hill 241, the great Cuban revolutionary leader paid tribute to the courage of the Vietnamese people and their willingness to shed blood and sacrifice their lives for the freedom of their homeland.
According to Ambassador Rogelio Polanco Fuentes, the “500-Day-and-Night Campaign” resonates like an enduring refrain in the nation’s heroic epic, embodying Viet Nam’s tradition of remembering and honouring those who made sacrifices for the country, as well as the sacred responsibility of today’s generations towards those who laid down their lives for national independence and freedom.
During the ceremony, the Ambassador presented the Military Broadcasting Centre with a reproduction of “Sowing the Seeds of Spring”, a work by Cuban artist René Portocarrero. The gift symbolises the shared hope of the two peoples for ever-renewing “springs” of friendship, whose seeds were painstakingly sown by Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro and President Ho Chi Minh.
The documentary contributes to strengthening friendship between the younger generations of the two countries and deepening their understanding of the fundamental values underpinning the special solidarity between Viet Nam and Cuba.
Immediately after the premiere, the episode was sent to Cuba for screening to the Cuban people and armed forces ahead of August 13, 2026. It serves as a treasured gift and an epic continuation of the rhythm of two hearts beating as one in their shared ideals, celebrating the 100th birth anniversary of Commander-in-Chief Fidel Castro.
