Love story in Hanoi wartime impresses the 3rd ASEAN Film Festival
Featuring 24 films from ASEAN member states and Road and Belt Initiative's participating countries, the festival has built cultural bridges through moving films that touch the hearts of viewers.
THE HANOI TIMES — The Vietnamese film “Dao, Pho and Piano” (Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano) by Director Phi Tien Son has made a strong impression on international audiences at the 3rd ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong (China).
Le Duc Hanh, Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong (in white traditional long dress) and guests attend the screening for Vietnamese film "Dao, Pho and Piano" at the 3rd ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong (China). Photo: VNA
The war film portrays a young couple’s journey to reunite on February 17, 1947, the last day of the 60-day Battle of Hanoi.
The battle signaled the start of Vietnam's nine-year resistance and fight against the French invasion from 1946 to 1954, also known as the First Indochina War.
The film won the Silver Lotus Award at the 23rd Vietnam Film Festival held in November 2023. It was selected as an official nomination to compete in the Best International Feature Film category at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscar) in 2024.
Charles Chia, CEO of the Hong Kong - ASEAN Foundation, said that he was deeply impressed by its artistic title as the film was screened on the night of August 15.
He added that the film portrays an important period in Vietnam’s history and helps Hong Kong audiences gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese society and culture.
Le Duc Hanh, Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong (China), highlighted the significance of the film.
"It tells the story of a young Vietnam that had just recovered from the historical famine. The nation, with a newly-established government, was ready to take a stand against the foreign invaders," she said.
"Through the film, we are able to see that all Hanoians, despite their differences in origin and profession, wanted unification, independence and peace."
She said that Vietnam joins this year's festival with a special spirit of celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2), and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995).
"Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and paving the way for its strong development, fostering and consolidating a peaceful and cooperative environment," said Hanh.
The 3rd ASEAN Film Festival is underway in Hong Kong (China) from August 7 to August 31, featuring 24 cinematic works brought by ASEAN member states and the members of the Belt and Road Initiative.
