On the evening of September 3 (local time), the Czech capital Prague became more vibrant as the ASEAN+3 Film Festival officially opened at the Prague City Library, bringing together the cinemas of ASEAN countries including Viet Nam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, along with three partners: China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.
The presence of representatives from the Czech Ministry of Culture, foreign embassies, and hundreds of film enthusiasts created a moving cultural exchange atmosphere.
This year’s film festival is a journey through many stories and vivid images, introducing the beauty, cultural diversity, traditions, and people of Asia to international audiences.
Each film serves as a gateway into its own world, where emotions, history, and art blend to tell stories that are both familiar and unique.
The programme opened with the short animated film “Love, Dad” (2021) by director Diana Cam Van Nguyen, a Czech filmmaker of Vietnamese origin.
The work portrays the complex relationship between a father and daughter, beginning with old letters the father once wrote to his child.
Chair of the Committee of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Prague, Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, emphasised that cinema is a “wonderful means for ASEAN countries to engage in cultural exchange with the Czech Republic – the heart of Europe.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Czech Republic David Kaspar expressed gratitude for the cooperation of ASEAN+3 countries, affirming that “culture connects people even in times of great upheaval.”
As part of the event, September 6 will see the launch of Viet Nam Film Week, within the series of activities celebrating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of Viet Nam-Czech diplomatic relations.
Viet Nam participates with two outstanding films: “Dao, Pho and Piano”, recreating Ha Noi in the winter of 1946, interweaving love, patriotism, and silent sacrifice; and “Truong He” (Letní škola, 2001), a film depicting the life of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, offering a sense of empathy that transcends cultural boundaries.
The ASEAN+3 Film Festival in Prague is not only an opportunity to enjoy cinematic art but also a space for cultural exchange, where emotions and art connect people, enriching the cultural heart of Europe and strengthening friendship between Asian countries and the world.
