French Medal Awarded to Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan: Honoring a Woman's Extraordinary Journey

French Culture Minister Rachida Dati said 'this noble medal honours the extraordinary journey of a woman who has overcome all limits and barriers, dedicating herself to cinema'.

French Minister of Culture awarded medal to Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan - Photo: Organizing Committee

A representative of the French Ministry of Culture said the influence of Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan, president of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema, "has spread beyond Vietnam's territory."

She is also a symbol of the strong relationship between Vietnam and France.

The event of awarding the medal of officer of literature and art is part of a series of cultural activities organized by the French Institute in Vietnam and Vietnamese partners within the framework of the visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Vietnam from May 25 to 27.

Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan is a person of culture and dialogue.

Ms. Rachida Dati's speech recounted Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan's journey from a girl born into an artistic family, to studying cinema at the VGIK National University of Cinema in Russia, to returning home and becoming the director of the Cinema Department.

Not only did she breathe new life into the industry amid strong private sector participation, she was also an active supporter of young filmmakers.

A year after retiring in 2019, she founded the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association.

In 2023, Ms. Lan founded the Da Nang Asian Film Festival - Vietnam's first annual film festival. Last year, the festival launched the French Cinema Spotlight, honoring the cinematic relationship between the two countries.

A representative of the French Ministry of Culture assessed Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan as "a person who inspires", "a woman of connection, culture and dialogue", "with persistent dedication, passion and deep belief in the power of the seventh art".

Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan speaks - Photo: D.DUNG

Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan felt moved and surprised to receive this noble honor. She also reviewed many activities that show the close connection between French and Vietnamese cinema.

Receiving the medal and listening to Ms. Rachida Dati's speech mentioning her relatives, Ms. Lan shared that "her heart felt like it was jumping out of her chest".

Ms. Lan also sent her thanks to those who have supported her unconditionally anytime, anywhere, allowing her to "achieve certain success in her career".

The Order of Arts and Letters was established in 1957 and is awarded by the French Ministry of Culture to "reward individuals who have distinguished themselves for their creative work in the arts and their contribution to the promotion of French arts and literature throughout the world ."

Before Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan, writers Nguyen Huy Thiep, Nguyen Nhat Anh, directors Dang Nhat Minh, Nguyen Hoang Diep, Tran Phuong Thao, Mr. Ngo Tu Lap, Meritorious Artist Tran Vuong Thach... also received this medal.

D.DUNG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/huan-chuong-cua-phap-trao-cho-ba-ngo-phuong-lan-ton-vinh-hanh-trinh-phi-thuong-cua-mot-nguoi-phu-nu-2025052723472507.htm