What do National Assembly representatives say about the historical elements in 'Southern Forest Land'?

The film Southern Forest Land The film directed by Nguyen Quang Dung remains a hot topic and continues to attract public attention. Since its release, the film has been embroiled in controversy regarding its content and plot points, which are considered historically inaccurate.

Subsequently, the Film Department re-evaluated the film, and the producer had to revise some details and dialogue.

Director Nguyen Quang Dung's film "Southern Forest Land" has reached the 100 billion VND mark at the box office after 11 days of screening.

Amidst public controversy surrounding the film, during a group discussion on the socio -economic reports of the National Assembly, Representative Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, stated that the story of the film "Southern Forest Land" is not limited to just one film, but extends to a broader perspective on how to make historical films, artistic creativity, and the development of the national art market.

" Resolution 23-NQ/TW of the Politburo on continuing to build and develop literature and art in the new era emphasized: 'Literature and art are very important and particularly delicate fields of culture.' Using historical material to create literature and art is a highly commendable theme, but it faces numerous difficulties."

"The challenge lies not only in balancing respect for history and artistic creativity, making history more engaging, relatable, and appealing to contemporary audiences, but also in balancing public opinion, which is now very important and has many conflicting views (both praise and criticism, much praise, little criticism, little praise, much criticism, etc.), and is present in the vast online space, making it very difficult to create a unique and creative work of art," assessed National Assembly representative Bui Hoai Son.

According to Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, respecting history should be considered a principle. Creativity, no matter how great, needs a framework. But how to harmonize these two elements to a level acceptable to the majority of the public depends heavily on the general awareness of society.

"We often praise historical films from China, South Korea, and other countries for their captivating nature. But I believe that such films, if made in Vietnam, would certainly spark much debate and face considerable public criticism. Of course, each culture is different, and the filmmaking methods must be different."

However, I have always believed that while science opens up knowledge about nature to society, artists and writers open up knowledge about goodness, beauty, and love.

"Of the three goals of education—truth, goodness, and beauty—culture and art account for two. Genuine writers and artists are always pioneers who open up the meaning of life for people, and for that, they must sacrifice themselves. A civilized society is one that knows how to listen and create a free environment for culture and art," Mr. Bui Hoai Son emphasized.

Citing the film "Southern Forest Land" as an example, National Assembly representative Bui Hoai Son argued that there needs to be a fair and supportive perspective on cultural and artistic products, especially those that draw on historical material.

According to delegate Bui Hoai Son, in the current context, artistic creations about history need to be viewed more openly, listened to more positively, and supported more.

Only then will artists and writers dare to dedicate themselves to art and the noble values of life, drawing on historical material to create literary and artistic products worthy of the times.

"When we acquire such works of art, not only does history become more engaging, vivid, and easily accessible to people, but the important spirits and messages from the past will help us gain more pride and strengthen our national power through the history and culture of our country."

"These are invaluable resources coming from 'a very important and particularly delicate area of culture' in the current period," Mr. Bui Hoai Son added.

Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son hopes that the recent debates will not discourage dedicated artists from exploring historical themes. He believes that the history of the country is excellent material for literary and artistic products, and that the talent of artists is needed to shine.

Utilizing that material will help us tell the history, beautiful images, and inspiring stories of Vietnam to domestic and international audiences, affirming the position and stature of the nation, and forming soft power for the country.

He hopes that the audience will support the film "Southern Forest Land" in particular, and Vietnamese cinema and art in general, especially literary and artistic works that draw on historical material.

This provides further spiritual motivation for artists, strengthens literature and art, and enhances their resistance to inappropriate, alien, offensive, and negatively influential literary and artistic products, thus building an advanced Vietnamese culture rich in national identity as outlined in the Party's Resolution.

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