The screenings were well-attended. Through each film, they not only enjoyed the art but also entered a space for cultural dialogue. This could be about heritage, life, history, or human stories. Each film contributed to fostering understanding, evoking empathy, and connecting the community.

Many Vietnamese documentaries have affirmed their unique identity. "Nghê - The Sacred Animal of the Vietnamese People" helps audiences both domestically and internationally recognize a purely Vietnamese symbol amidst contemporary life. "Journey of Love" touches on human emotions through charitable journeys, reflecting the spirit of sharing within the community. "The Wooden Man - A Miracle of the People's Heart" recreates a water management project associated with the aspiration for development after reunification. Particularly, "Brilliant Horizon" harmonizes popular music with the Xẩm singing tradition, showcasing the interplay between tradition and modernity; it also tells touching stories of the journey to find one's roots.

Image from the film "Nghê - The Mascot of the Vietnamese People". Photo: Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio.

From Europe, many films open up new horizons for Vietnamese audiences. “Paperback: Fano Carnival” takes viewers to the ancient Italian carnival, where the craft of paperback has existed for centuries. “The Grand Museum” reveals the behind-the-scenes workings of the Vienna Museum of Art History, prompting reflection on the preservation and presentation of heritage. “Steel Flows in the Blood” tells the story of Liège steelworkers, reflecting the pride and challenges of a working community. “La Roja – The Journey to World Championship” and “The Princess” portray the power of football and cultural symbols in connecting society.

A striking commonality is that all the films focus on people. There's the Hmong child in "Letter to Mother," the wushu athletes in "The Champion's Will," the image of steelworkers in Belgium, and Princess Diana of England. Despite coming from different cultures, they all evoke empathy and affirm universal values: resilience, family bonds, and pride. This is what makes the festival a true cultural bridge.

"Brilliant Horizon," directed by Lan Nguyen, is inspired by singer Ha Anh Tuan's concert of the same name, which attracted many viewers. Photo: Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio.

Mr. Trinh Quang Tung, Deputy Director of the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, shared: “This year's festival has seen innovation in the selection process, with most films having won international awards, while Vietnamese films have also achieved success in many domestic competitions. The festival left many impressions with its diverse styles, subtle perspectives, reflecting the pulse of life and evoking reflection on the world around us.”

Audiences not only come to watch the film, but also directly interact, ask questions, and share their thoughts enthusiastically with the director. This interaction transforms each screening into a vibrant cultural forum. As a result, documentary films transcend their professional scope, becoming a bridge that brings viewers closer to the stories of the characters in the film as told by the director.

Among the large audience attending this year's festival, Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Thanh, a lecturer at Hanoi Pedagogical University, did not miss a single screening. She expressed: "The films have opened up many fresh perspectives on life, showing that despite differences in skin color or living environment, people everywhere are the same in their compassion, love for goodness and beauty, awareness of preserving heritage, and pride in victory. For her, what resonated most deeply was the humanistic value and educational message that the festival conveyed: reminding everyone to share, help the disadvantaged, cherish filial piety towards grandparents and parents, and love their homeland and country."

THU BICH NGOC

    Source: https://www.qdnd.vn/van-hoa/van-hoc-nghe-thuat/cau-noi-van-hoa-qua-nhung-thuoc-phim-tai-lieu-846957