For him, each film is not just a work of art, but also a sincere dialogue with the land and its people, especially with Hanoi – the place where he was born, raised, and holds a deep and profound love.
Born into a family that had lived for generations in the heart of the capital, Duong Minh Giang was deeply imbued with the essence of Hanoi from an early age, from its customs and lifestyles to its manners and pastimes. This cultural foundation has guided him throughout his more than 40 years in the arts, becoming a source of inspiration for his creativity, especially when he chose documentary filmmaking as his "main path"—a profession that synthesizes all the artistic experiences he has ever had.
As a director, Duong Minh Giang has made approximately 300 films across various genres, with a particular focus on cultural and historical documentaries. He began making documentaries about Hanoi's folk art in 1994, a time when many performing arts were just beginning to recover after years of war and economic hardship. Many of the artisans he met and filmed back then have since passed away or are no longer mentally sharp. This has made him even more deeply aware of his responsibility to preserve and pass on the values left behind by previous generations.
That spirit is clearly demonstrated in the two latest documentaries about Hanoi: "The Sacred Land of Tay Ho" and "Hoan Kiem Tells Its Story" - works that show more clearly than ever the deep and enduring love of director Duong Minh Giang for the land of Thang Long - Hanoi.
With "The Sacred Land of West Lake," Duong Minh Giang leads viewers back in time to explore the origins of West Lake – the largest natural lake in the inner city, linked to the shifting course of the Red River since prehistoric times. The film not only recounts legends and names from different dynasties but also delves into the cultural space of ancient villages along the lake, such as Yen Thai, Dong Xa, Trich Sai, and Vong Thi, preserving layers of history, architecture, beliefs, and unique customs of the capital city. Through a simple yet profound approach, West Lake emerges as a sacred land, a convergence of the spiritual energy of the mountains and rivers, where the past and present coexist in contemporary life.
Meanwhile, the film "Hoan Kiem Tells Its Story," released to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Liberation of Hanoi (1954-2024), is a leisurely journey through the city streets, listening to Hoan Kiem Lake – the heart of the capital – tell its own story. From the legend of returning the sword during the reign of Le Thai To, the urban structure, the system of historical relics, the space of the old town and the Western quarter, to cultural life, cuisine, coffee, ancient wells, Dong Xuan Market..., the film reveals a Hoan Kiem that is both tranquil and ancient, yet vibrant and modern. There, Hanoi is depicted not only through historical milestones but also through the slow, refined way of life of its people – the very essence of Thang An (Hanoi).
Experts recognize that what makes director Duong Minh Giang special is his approach to culture: slow, meticulous, and respectful. He doesn't make films in a "slide-through" style, nor does he exploit heritage as a purely tourist product, but always questions the origins and the layers of cultural sediment beneath the surface of each place.
Associate Professor and musician Tran Hoang Tien once remarked: "Duong Minh Giang has a burning passion for art but dislikes ostentation. He lives quietly and discreetly amidst the artistic community, letting his works speak for themselves." It is this quietness that helps his films maintain their documentary reliability, emotional sincerity, and academic depth – qualities not easily found in contemporary documentary filmmaking.
Regarding films about Hanoi, many cultural researchers consider Duong Minh Giang to be one of the few documentary directors who pursue Hanoi as a "living cultural entity," rather than just a geographical space or historical context. In "The Sacred Land of Tay Ho" or "Hoan Kiem Tells Its Story," viewers not only see temples, relics, and streets, but also feel the connection between the location, history, people, and way of life. Hanoi appears both sacred and ancient, yet very ordinary and familiar.
Director Duong Minh Giang shared: “Today, Hanoians are also ‘thirsty’ for culture. Many are willing to spend money to go on field trips and sightseeing tours, but very few tours help them deeply understand the destination. In many cultural forums I participate in, many people are amazed when they learn about the cultural values right where they live. Therefore, through my films, I want to help Hanoians better understand the place they live in, and also help tourists learn more about the city.”
The appreciation for these cultural values has been recognized. The film "The Sacred Land of Tay Ho" was recently awarded the Vietnam Ethnic Minority Literature and Arts Award in 2025. The film's director also received numerous certificates and commendations for his achievements in building, preserving, and promoting the culture of Thang Long - Hanoi during the 2024-2025 period.
Director Duong Minh Giang has always pondered: “Culture is built and refined over thousands of generations, from one generation to the next, and continues in this way – that is the foundation. If every Vietnamese person, or every Hanoi resident, has awareness, responsibility, and compassion for culture – that is the driving force. The foundation and driving force are the elements that allow culture to guide the nation.” And at over 60 years old, quietly, persistently, and with full dedication, he continues his journey of telling the story of Hanoi through cinema – the journey of an artist who considers preserving and spreading cultural values as his raison d'être.
Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/dao-dien-duong-minh-giang-ke-chuyen-ha-noi-bang-dien-anh-tai-lieu-729831.html
Comment (0)