When movies return
In late November, the Tứ Kỳ Commune Cultural Center (Hai Phong) became more vibrant than usual. Nearly 400 spectators, ranging from students and youth union members to veterans and local residents, gathered to watch the film "Red Rain." The event, organized by the Tứ Kỳ Commune People's Committee in collaboration with Viettel Tứ Kỳ, quickly became a special cultural activity.
Many young viewers experienced watching a film together as a community for the first time. Pham Xuan Dung, a student at Tu Ky 2 High School, shared: “‘Red Rain’ made me understand more about the great sacrifices of the soldiers. After watching the film, I feel I need to study harder to be worthy of the losses that the previous generation has gone through.”
Not only the younger generation, but also veterans rediscovered their memories through each film. Mr. Nguyen Tien Phan, Chairman of the Veterans Association of Tu Ky commune, emotionally said: “The film brings back many memories of the war. Those sacrifices are recreated very realistically. I hope that the young people will understand the value of independence and appreciate the peace we have today even more.”
According to Mr. Do Van Chinh, Director of Viettel's Tu Ky cluster, the purpose of the film screening was to spread traditional values and awaken national pride. "We hope that through the emotionally rich images of the film 'Red Rain,' young people will live with more ideals and a greater sense of responsibility towards themselves and their community," Mr. Chinh said.
Not only in Tu Ky commune, but also in Hai Phong, the City's Cultural, Cinema and Exhibition Center, in collaboration with Viettel Post HPG, has continuously organized screenings of "Red Rain" in many communes, wards, and special zones. The film, which recreates the 81-day and 81-night battle to defend Quang Tri Citadel, once set a box office record in Vietnam and became a new symbol of historical and war films.
Besides the screening of "Red Rain," the atmosphere at film screenings was equally vibrant in other localities. In Tan Hung ward, people watched "The Scent of Burning Grass" to celebrate the City Party Congress. At An Binh Stadium in An Phu commune, people enjoyed the film "Let Go," a work that recreates the old Nam Sach region. Before the screening, people also had the opportunity to interact with artist Quang Teo, singer Chu Bin, and the film crew, creating an evening filled with joy and pride for their homeland.
Modern film screenings
For many people of the older generation, the image of a truck carrying a projector to the village was once a symbol of great joy. Veteran Nguyen Tien Phan recounts that, in the old days, when televisions were rare, each film screening was like a festival. People would eat dinner early, bring chairs, and go together to watch. Children would run around excitedly, and adults would chat lively. Films like "Rising Wind," "Sister Tu Hau," and "The 17th Parallel Day and Night"... used to attract large crowds of villagers.
Back then, the cooperative's warehouse yard or a large open field could easily become a makeshift movie theater. Children would spread mats and stack bricks to reserve spots, while adults would gather to watch after dinner. The whole village and commune would be bustling with excitement. These movie screenings were not only for entertainment but also served as a way to connect with the community.
Today, mobile film screenings have been upgraded thanks to technology. People can sit in spacious halls, watch on sharp LED screens, and enjoy vibrant sound. Digital projectors have completely replaced the old hand-cranked machines. Films increasingly feature modern special effects and engaging content, creating an experience closer to that of commercial cinemas.
However, the greatest value of mobile film screenings lies not in the technology but in the sense of community. In an age where everyone can watch movies on their phones, the meaningful moments that mobile film screenings bring are those shared by hundreds of people sitting together, shedding tears or laughing.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Dam, Deputy Director of the Hai Phong Center for Culture, Cinema and Exhibitions, commented: “Mobile film screenings today are not just for entertainment. We screen many documentaries and propaganda films about protecting maritime sovereignty, combating social evils, traffic safety, fire prevention and control, digital transformation, and building new rural areas. Especially for people in remote areas, this is the most visual, easy-to-understand, emotionally rich, and effective information channel.”
The strong resurgence of mobile film screenings shows that the need for community culture remains very high. Historical stories like "Red Rain," "The Scent of Burning Grass," or films reflecting contemporary life all offer lessons, humanistic values, and connections between generations.
In modern times, when every family has its own television, internet, and telephone, reviving the habit of communal movie viewing is an effort to revitalize an old cultural form and also a way to evoke national pride.
Film screenings have modernized, but the memories of moonlit movie nights, the joyful shouts of children, and the excitement of the whole village remain. And with investment from local authorities and cultural and artistic organizations, this art form is becoming more modern and appealing, while still retaining the spirit of the past.
LINH LINHSource: https://baohaiphong.vn/chieu-phim-luu-dong-thoi-nay-529401.html
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