Photographer Nguyen A launches photo book and exhibition on 70th anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory

A ceremony was held at the Vietnamese Women's Museum in Hanoi on August 7, to open an exhibition featuring photos on the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory by famous photographer Nguyen A and launch his photo book titled “70 Years of the Dien Bien Phu Victory – The Eternal Epic”.
Young soldiers view the photos at the exhibition.
Young soldiers view the photos at the exhibition.

This is the 21st photo exhibition and the 20th photo book by photographer Nguyen A, recalling the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu Victory that “resounded across the five continents and shook the globe”.

With nearly 300 photos, Nguyen A’s exhibition and photo book highlight every moment of the grand ceremony, celebrating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and those happening simultaneously, which drew great attention not only from Vietnamese people but also international friends.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibition.

The ribbon cutting ceremony for the exhibition.

During 11 days of working in Dien Bien Province, the photographer directly attended the grand ceremony while capturing moments at various historical sites, including de Castries' command bunker, A1 Hill, Dien Bien Phu Martyrs' Cemetery, Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum and the Memorial House dedicated to General Vo Nguyen Giap.

Among various activities, Nguyen A particularly focused on the military parade and march, which was organised on a large scale, professionally and most impressively.

During the days of work, he witnessed the hard training and determination of the young soldiers contributing to the most perfect parade and march formations. The hard training and soldiers’ spirit of discipline impressed him to capture every precious moment through his lens.

Photographer Nguyen Anh speaks at the exhibition.

Photographer Nguyen Anh speaks at the exhibition.

In addition, the enthusiasm, friendliness, and hospitality of locals in Dien Bien and the hearts of people from around the country towards Dien Bien during the glorious days of May, created greater motivation for him.

Notably, photographer Nguyen A has portrayed the living witnesses of the Dien Bien Phu campaign and the veterans who contributed to the glorious Dien Bien Phu Victory.

"The most important thing for an artist is the creativity, wholehearted investment, and determination to face difficulties head-on, to help everyone see the value of the Dien Bien Phu Victory’s anniversary”, said photographer Nguyen A.

He also shared that through this photo book, he wants to spread the value and stature of the Dien Bien Phu Victory, as well as extend his infinite gratitude and respect to the heroes and fallen soldiers who sacrificed themselves for the country’s independence.

The 240-page photo book was published by the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House.

The 240-page photo book was published by the Vietnam News Agency Publishing House.

Sharing at the exhibition, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Manh Ha, former Deputy Director of the Vietnam Institute of Military History and former Director of the Institute of Party History under the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics noted: “The photos give viewers the solemn atmosphere of the 70th anniversary. Photographer Nguyen A's book contributes to preserving the historical sites and features the heroic and vibrant spirit of the glorious victory”.

The exhibition will last until August 9. Previously, the exhibition and launching of the photo book by photographer Nguyen A took place in Ho Chi Minh City on July 28 and is expected to be held at the Dien Bien Phu Historical Victory Museum (in Dien Bien Province) on September 2.