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15 films on historical figures and the spirit of Thang Long to be screened in Hanoi

Báo Dân Trí24/09/202604:32

(Dan Tri) - On the evening of September 23, the "Talent and Thang Long Spirit" Film Week opened at the National Cinema Center (Hanoi), in anticipation of the 950th anniversary of the Temple of Literature (1076-2026).

The "Talent and Thang Long Spirit" Film Week opens, looking toward the 950th anniversary of the Temple of Literature (1076-2026) (Photo: Organizing Committee).

To kick off the film week, audiences were presented with The Water God's Student by Vietnam Feature Film Studio, Aspiration to Reach Far by the Central Scientific and Documentary Film Studio, and the first episode of the documentary series Ly Thai To titled The Edict on the Transfer of the Capital. These works offer various perspectives on the traditions of learning, history, and the people of Thang Long. While The Water God's Student evokes the image of the teacher Chu Van An and The Edict on the Transfer of the Capital recreates the milestone associated with King Ly Thai To, Aspiration to Reach Far tells the story of a contemporary teacher striving to apply technology to bring international knowledge to students in rural areas.

Over six days, 15 works will be screened, including 4 feature films, 4 documentaries, and 7 animated films. The feature film selection includes Fairy Tales for Age 17, The Water God's Student, The Golden Key, and The Scent of Burning Grass, exploring themes of youth, history, and war.

The four documentaries in the Ly Thai To series—The Edict on the Transfer of the Capital, Nam Quoc Son Ha, Witness of Power, and The Immortal Epic—focus on the spirit of autonomy, the will for independence, and the historical and cultural values of the Ly Dynasty. Seven animated films, including The Story of Saint Giong, The Dream of Loa Thanh, The Spirit of Thang Long, The Teacher of All Generations, The Legend of Bach Ma Temple, The Legend of Voi Phuc Temple, and The Legend of the Magic Sword, bring historical figures, symbols, and folk tales to young audiences.

In addition to works by multiple generations of filmmakers, the film week provides space for 6 short films that won the "Talent of Today" competition. The films Aspiration to Reach Far (First Prize), Story of a Hanoi Intellectual Woman, Poocbaga (Second Prize), Colors of the Mountains, Adei's Coming of Age Ceremony (Third Prize), and Profession (Consolation Prize) explore the theme of contemporary talent through education, knowledge, heritage preservation, and the cultural continuity between generations. The film week is organized by the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association in coordination with the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities, taking place from September 23 to 28.

Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association, stated that the unique feature of the film week is the connection between works from various generations of filmmakers, ranging from stories about the tradition of learning and the spirit of nation-building and defense to the aspirations of today's youth. The six short films by young filmmakers contribute new perspectives on traditional values.

The film week features a total of 17 screenings, including 10 at the National Cinema Center and 7 at Ngoc Khanh Cinema. The schedule is arranged for weekends to accommodate children and families, and evening slots during the week for students and working professionals.

Beyond the screenings, the Organizing Committee is hosting 6 exchange programs with directors, screenwriters, actors, and representatives of the creative teams. The six award-winning short films will also be transferred to the Van Mieu - Quoc Tu Giam Center for Cultural and Scientific Activities to continue screenings, expanding public access to these works.