The Vietnamese Film Week opened at the iconic Grand Rex in Paris, drawing over 2,700 film lovers.
On the evening of December 5, 2025, in Paris (morning of December 6 in Vietnam), the Vietnamese Film Week titled Vietnam Cinéma – Itinéraire de Lumière (Vietnamese Cinema – Journey of Light) officially opened at Le Grand Rex, Europe’s largest cinema and a cultural icon of the French capital.
The event was co-organized by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) and AVSE Global, under the patronage of the Vietnamese Embassy in France.
It attracted more than 2,700 guests from 23 countries, creating a dynamic cultural and artistic exchange among the French public, the Vietnamese community abroad, and lovers of Vietnamese cinema across Europe. Diva Hong Nhung performed on stage during the opening night.
According to Dinh Toan Thang, Vietnam’s Ambassador to France: “Vietnamese Film Week in Paris is a culturally and artistically significant event, showcasing the essence of Vietnamese cinema to a French audience that deeply appreciates it. We hope this will become an unforgettable milestone in the journey of Vietnamese cinema and the broader cultural exchange between Vietnam and France.”Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the VFDA, remarked: “This is the first time a major Vietnamese film event has been held in the City of Light - Paris - in the same year that Vietnam marks the 50th anniversary of reunification and the 80th anniversary of the country's founding. December also commemorates the 130th anniversary of the Lumière brothers’ invention of cinema - an art form that has changed human history and enriched inner lives.”
The opening began with a unique “symphony” told through film and music, taking the audience on an emotional journey through the history of Vietnamese cinema. Familiar melodies from The Floating Lives and The Legend of Quan Tien rekindled unforgettable artistic memories.
A highlight was the cello performance of Sous le Ciel de Paris by artist Dinh Hoai Xuan, accompanied by the Paris Symphony String Orchestra, creating a deeply refined artistic moment. Diva Hong Nhung followed with a heartfelt rendition of La Vie en Rose.
The centerpiece of the opening night was the premiere of Airborne Death Match (Tu Chien Tren Khong), a large-scale action film representing the modern evolution of Vietnamese cinema. Inspired by the 1978 hijacking incident, the film was chosen to open the weeklong event.Actress Kaity Nguyen, appearing on the red carpet, said emotionally: “It’s such an honor to be at Grand Rex in Paris for the premiere of Airborne Death Match. I hope the audience experiences breathtaking moments, intense action, and sincere emotions through this film.”Actress Le Vi, appearing with her French husband, shared: “To me, this is an incredibly meaningful event. Every historical chapter in Vietnam - from war to peace to global integration - has been accompanied by the evolution of the seventh art. I believe this cultural exchange program will open up new opportunities for Vietnamese cinema to align with global progress.” Also in attendance was actress Linh Dan Pham, known for her role in the classic Indochine and recently honored again with a César Award in France. She noted: “I think Vietnamese cinema has come a long way and now boasts an amazing diversity, from commercial blockbusters to artistic films. Vietnam is in a strong position, and events like this help bring our cinema closer to the international audience.”Director Tran Anh Hung attended the event with his two children.The Red Rain crew - behind the highest-grossing film in Vietnamese box office history - also walked the red carpet. Director Dang Thai Huyen noted that, apart from actor Hieu Nguyen, two other cast members, Ha Anh and Nhat Hoang, would be arriving in France shortly.From Paris, director Dang Thai Huyen shared with VietNamNet: “The feeling among our crew is one of joy and pride. The longer Red Rain travels, the more people it reaches. For a story rooted in our nation's history to resonate this far - that’s more than happiness. We feel we’ve fulfilled our mission.” Photos: Organizing Board
Vietnamnet.vn
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