Hanoi students launch Giao Thuoc 2025 cinema program celebrating Asian cultures
A student-led film series fostering Asian cultural dialogue through curated cinema, immersive experiences and conversations bridging diplomacy and identity perspectives.
THE HANOI TIMES — Students and young art enthusiasts in Hanoi have launched “Giao Thuoc 2025: A Journey Through Asia”, a cultural and educational program that uses cinema as a platform for cross-cultural learning and dialogue.
Initiated by students from the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam in collaboration with clubs from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) and the University of Languages and International Studies (ULIS), the program moves beyond film screenings to promote cultural understanding, critical thinking and empathy among young audiences.
“Giao Thuoc” is designed as an open cultural space where cinema connects emotion with knowledge. The program introduces Asian arts and cultures through carefully curated films, expert discussions and interactive cultural activities.
The program opened on December 27 with a focus on West Asia. The first screening featured The Idol (2015), a Palestinian drama directed by Hany Abu-Assad, which follows a young man who overcomes hardship through music and determination.
The screening was followed by a discussion with guest speakers, including Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama and cultural scholars, who explored themes of resilience, dreams and cultural identity.
Ambassador Saadi Salama said culture forms the foundation for exchange and mutual understanding.
“Stories of perseverance portrayed in cinema resonate across cultures and inspire people everywhere,” he said at the launch.
Alongside film discussions, participants joined hands-on cultural activities such as tasting traditional sage tea and rice pudding and creating origami inspired by Tatreez embroidery patterns, turning cinematic themes into tangible cultural experiences.
Building on the opening event, the program will continue into early January 2026 with a series of thematic screenings highlighting East Asian cinema at ULIS, Blue Bird’s Nest Café in Ba Dinh Ward and Chill Desk Café in Cau Giay Ward.
Palestinian Ambassador to Vietnam Saadi Salama speaks at the event
Films from Japan, China and South Korea, including The Tale of the Princess Kaguya, Perfect Days, House of Flying Daggers and Poetry, will offer perspectives on tradition, modern life and human values. Each screening will pair with interactive activities such as mask painting and cultural symbolism workshops.
The program will then shift to South Asia with the Indian film 3 Idiots, using the story to spark discussion on education, success and the pressures facing Asian youth. Henna painting and Mandala coloring will accompany the screening.
The journey will conclude with a return to Vietnamese cinema through Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, accompanied by traditional musical performances. The final stage encourages young audiences to reflect on national identity after exploring broader Asian cultural landscapes.
Through its multi-stage design, “Giao Thuoc 2025: A Journey Through Asia” presents cinema as a practical educational tool.
By combining films, dialogue and immersive cultural experiences, the program aims to build cultural awareness and mutual understanding in an increasingly interconnected world.
