Photographers with ethnic minority people in Binh Tien

A vibrant atmosphere

The organizers facilitated field trips for photographers to almost all the rural areas of the town. On the opening day, the group visited Huong Toan commune to witness the sunrise over the fields, recreating the image of the mother carrying her baskets on her shoulders in Van Cu village, a village with a history of noodle making spanning over 500 years; visited the famous VietGAP-certified coriander gardens of An Thuan hamlet; and toured the traditional craft villages of Huong Can, specializing in conical hat making and wrapped cakes… Following this, the photographers visited Thanh Luong communal house, Van Xa village communal house, the VietGAP-certified guava orchard in Cat hamlet, Huong Xuan ward; witnessed the sunset over the mountains and forests, experiencing the simple life; and participated in a campfire gathering with the Pa Hy ethnic minority people in Binh Tien commune…

During the creative period, the photographers divided into four groups and visited historical and cultural sites: the Dang Huy Tru Memorial Church, Thanh Luong communal house, Lieu Coc Twin Towers; Tho Son Lake, La Chu communal house and pagoda, Ong Am slope, Phu Lam Engineering Workshop site; Que Chu community tourism site, Bau Sen; Phu Oc village communal house, Boston historical sites; Blood Stream, Tranh Stream…

Huong Chu green vegetable field

Following in the footsteps of the photographers, it is clear that Huong Tra town has successfully organized economic development over the years while preserving its ancestral cultural heritage. After 15 years of being recognized as a type IV urban area, Huong Tra town has focused on investing in inner-city roads such as expanding Hong Linh road; sidewalks, drainage, and street lighting on Le Thai To road; Kim Tra road; D3 road in the detailed planning area for the expansion of Tu Ha market; the road connecting National Highway 1 - Que Chu, Huong Chu ward; the main road Thanh Khe, Huong Xuan ward, and other inner-city roads through Huong Van, Huong Xuan… In the future, urbanization will continue in Huong Toan, Huong Chu, and Binh Tien to develop trade and services to support the Tu Ha industrial zone. The town is developing eco-tourism areas in Binh Thanh and Binh Tien; tourism around the Binh Dien and Huong Dien hydroelectric lakes, and Tho Son lake; and developing a science and technology park in Binh Tien and Binh Thanh…

Photographer Thanh Nhàn reminisced, “After 40 years, I finally had the chance to revisit Hương Bình of yesteryear.” Back then, the bridge over the Điền stream was just a rotten wooden plank; people had to sit down and carefully step across. Now, a sturdy concrete bridge stands there, its flags fluttering brightly in the sun, joyfully welcoming visitors. Hương Bình is now a new rural commune. Several businesses have invested, working with the locals to plant forests and fruit trees, and developing production and business with OCOP (One Commune One Product) products.

Creative inspiration from love for one's homeland.

Huong Tra town organized a very well-planned photography workshop, which many considered the best program ever. The photographers were almost completely absorbed in the continuous events, which provided a great deal of inspiration. Wherever they went, the photographers were warmly welcomed by the locals, who willingly posed for beautiful photos. The close relationship between the villages and the photographers was quickly established.

Not only were the bonfire nights in Pa Hy village impressive, but many were also amazed to see hundreds of women in traditional ao dai dresses cycling along the village roads, and dozens of girls "playing the role of village girls" in the VietGAP-certified orchards… Those who couldn't join were filled with regret, leaving heartfelt messages in the Zalo group: “I'm so sorry I couldn't participate because I was busy. Wishing everyone a fiery bonfire night. Let's sing the epic songs of the mountains and forests.” The bonfire night was absolutely wonderful. The girls of Pa Hy in their traditional costumes by the forest fire captivated many photographers. Viet Hung exclaimed: “Absolutely wonderful, the fire and dew falling in the midland region created an enchanting atmosphere. The green color of the girls' traditional costumes made the night even greener…”

Mr. Do Ngoc An, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Huong Tra town and Head of the Organizing Committee of the "Huong Tra - 50 Years on a Journey" photography camp, was delighted with the unexpected results. "450 artistic photographs from the camp demonstrate the deep affection Hue's photographers have for Huong Tra. Each photograph tells a story, from tree-lined roads and modern constructions under development to radiant smiles; all reflect the vibrant energy of Huong Tra today."

The works from this creative campaign will not only contribute to promoting the image of Huong Tra today, but will also serve as important documentation, helping to preserve and honor the cultural and historical values ​​of the land along the Bo River as the whole country celebrates the 50th anniversary of national reunification.

Lower Yuan