FROM THE FOREST TO THE SEA: Recreating the power of faith and connection

A corner of Tuy Hoa in the final episode of the documentary From the Forest to the Sea (screenshot). Photo: YEN LAN

Journalist Phan Xuan Luat, Director of Phu Yen Radio and Television Station, shared: The war has been over for 50 years. We are living in peace , the country is united, and the development of our homeland is on the rise. 50 is an extremely special milestone! During the General Offensive and Uprising in the spring of 1975, we cannot help but mention the heroic feat of our army and people in pursuing and blocking the enemy on Highway 7 and Highway 5, foiling their strategic withdrawal plot to entrench themselves in the coastal plains of Central Vietnam, consolidating their forces in an attempt to reoccupy the Central Highlands. The victory of our army and people created a “domino effect” leading to the complete collapse of the Saigon government.

“Today’s generation will never forget those historic months, those glorious battles, and the sacrifices of so many people for peace, unity, independence, and freedom. On the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Phu Yen Province, the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South, and the reunification of the country, if we do not produce a complete work on this topic, we will be guilty towards our ancestors and our heroic homeland,” journalist Phan Xuan Luat confided.

Phu Yen Radio and Television Station decided to produce a 5-episode documentary series from socialized sources. The requirement was that the work must achieve both ideology and art, so the station's leaders invited director Ho Nhat Thao and a skilled team to produce this documentary series. Previously, director Ho Nhat Thao, screenwriter Tran Thanh Hung and the team produced the documentaries Thanh Hoi and Vung Dong Doi - 2 works that brought Phu Yen Radio and Television Station 2 silver awards at the 42nd National Television Festival in 2025.

The documentary From the Forest to the Sea consists of 5 episodes: Tay Nguyen Campaign, That March, Happiness and Separation, Sweet Sugarcane and Green Fields , and Ba River on Both Banks. Director Ho Nhat Thao and his crew encountered many difficulties in finding materials, but fortunately they were able to connect with war veterans - those who directly participated in the heroic battles, such as writer Nguyen Trong Luan, a reconnaissance soldier of Division 320 that year.

According to director Ho Nhat Thao, the documentary From the Forest to the Sea shows the strength, faith, and strong bond of the Vietnamese people, who have overcome countless pains and losses, healed the wounds of war, and built the homeland together. The last two episodes talk about the rise of Phu Yen after the war. The series of memoirs expresses gratitude to previous generations who devoted their youth and sacrificed their blood to regain independence and freedom for the country and look forward to a bright future.

The documentary From the Forest to the Sea was broadcast by Phu Yen Radio and Television on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Phu Yen Province Liberation Day (April 1, 1975 - April 1, 2025) and was broadcast by many stations across the country.

Source: https://baophuyen.vn/van-nghe/202504/ky-su-tu-rung-xuong-bien-tai-hien-suc-manh-cua-niem-tin-va-su-gan-ket-f2a27f8/