The project is based on the idea of the Humans of New York photoblog and bestselling book, which features street portraits and interviews collected in the city. Started in November 2010 by photographer Brandon Stanton, over 6,000 portraits have been taken so far.
The project's aim is to capture the simple moments of life and people in Hanoi through photos, giving a hint of the interesting stories that make up each individual.
The group running the project includes six people from all over Hanoi. They meet strangers and listen to their stories by asking them a few simple questions as well as take their photos. The photos are posted on the project’s Facebook page and has attracted great public attention over the past three months.
Each story has been translated into English to help foreigners to understand more about the culture and people of Hanoi.
Some photos of the project “Humans of Hanoi”:
Are you in disguise?
No, we aren’t. We are just wearing soldiers’ clothes. We love our country and want to protect it.
What makes you most happy?
I just want to have a girlfriend
I hate Kien the most because when we were in the third grade he bullied me. He weighed 55kg, but I was just 30kg.
What do you hate the most?
I have to put up with a lot of pressure to succeed from my parents. My father often says he didn’t have as good a life as I do now and I should do better.
Being alive. Death can come anytime, anywhere. Even crossing the road is dangerous. If you don't pay attention you could have an accident.
Yes, of course. I love Hanoi the most. Second is Saigon and then Hue. I have been living in Hanoi for 40 years.
My best memory is from a battle on Hill A1 in 1954, when I and my comrades arrested a French commander. Every year, I look forward to meeting my old comrades on May 7 to commemorate the Dien Bien Phu Victory.
What makes you most happy?
Returning home to my wife every day.
He is from Austria and I am from Hungary. We met each other in Romania last summer last year. He proposed to me on the most beautiful mountain in Austria and I said yes.
Are you happy with your current life?
Um, my husband died. Currently, I earn money from selling water to feed four children. But I feel happy watching them grow up.
