The Swedish Embassy in Vietnam officially presented the documentary 'Victory Vietnam' (Chien Thang Cua Viet Nam) to the Vietnam Film Institute, on April 25, as part of a commemorative event marking the 50th national reunification anniversary.
As a tribute to one of the most pivotal moments in Vietnamese history, April 30, 1975, the event reaffirmed the profound and long-standing friendship between Sweden and Vietnam, highlighting cultural diplomacy as a bridge between the past and present, between peoples and shared ideals.
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The Swedish Embassy in Vietnam officially presented the documentary 'Victory Vietnam' (Chien Thang Cua Viet Nam) to the Vietnam Film Institute. |
This event not only celebrated a significant milestone in Vietnam's history but also underscored the enduring friendship and solidarity between Sweden and Vietnam.
The documentary captures scenes from Stockholm on April 30, 1975 — people waving banners in support of the National Liberation Front (FNL), singing songs of peace, and marching in celebration of Vietnam’s victory.
Interspersed with parades and heartfelt speeches, the documentary highlights the international solidarity movement's ongoing political and material support.
This documentary reflects the deep-rooted friendship between Sweden and Vietnam. It reminds us that, during that challenging time, people across the world, including in Sweden, stood in support of Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
Johan Ndisi
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam
Oscar Staffas Edström, Head of Trade and Promotion at the Embassy of Sweden in Vietnam, emphasised the long-standing traditional friendship between the two countries. Sweden was the first Western nation to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1969, while the war was still ongoing.
“The film takes us back to the vivid scenes and emotions in Stockholm on that day, when Swedish citizens expressed their solidarity with Vietnam with the message: Your struggle is also our struggle. We hope the film will serve as a bridge between our two nations, reminding us of the lasting friendship and enduring ties between Sweden and Vietnam,” Edström highlighted.
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Le Thi Ha, Director of the Vietnam Film Institute |
On the occasion, Le Thi Ha, Director of the Vietnam Film Institute, shared that receiving this film is a great honour. It is not only a valuable historical document but also a clear symbol of international solidarity and the shared values we continue to uphold.
Participating online, filmmaker Bo Öhlén revealed the motivation behind the documentary: “In making Victory Vietnam, I didn’t just want to document the historical events of April 30, 1975. I wanted to convey the powerful emotions and unity felt in Sweden at the time. This is my heartfelt tribute to the people of Vietnam and their fight for independence, as well as to the global movement that supported them.”
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Bo Öhlén, a cinematographer and director, was born on December 24, 1947, in Borås, Västra Götalands län, Sweden. |
He concluded, “I am deeply pleased that the film will now be part of Vietnam’s national archive. I hope it will continue to spread the message of friendship and international solidarity, especially during difficult times.”
Representing the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Tran Hai Van, Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation, sent her deep gratitude to Director Bo Öhlén and the Swedish Embassy for presenting Vietnam with this valuable documentary.
She affirmed that the film not only recreates a historical moment in Vietnam but also brings us a very real slice of great international sentiment, including the deep support not only from the government but also from the Swedish people for the Vietnamese people.
Sweden and Vietnam have a long history of cooperation in film exchange and preservation. In the 1980s, with support from the Swedish International Development Agency (SIDA), archives were built in Hanoi to meet Vietnam’s urgent film preservation needs. Sweden’s extensive collection of Vietnamese films, compiled by FilmCentrum, has played an important role.
During the war, many films were transferred to the Swedish Film Institute for preservation and were later handed over to the Vietnamese film archives during a visit by Swedish Culture Minister Marita Ulvskog.
