GRAND OPENING OF “VIETNAM FILM WEEK – THE JOURNEY OF LIGHT” AT LE GRAND REX, PARIS
On the evening of December 5, 2025, in Paris (early morning December 6 in Vietnam), the Opening Ceremony of “Vietnam Film Week – The Journey of Light” was solemnly held 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 Embassy of Vietnam in France.
The ceremony was honored to welcome ambassadors, industry leaders, filmmakers, and artists from Vietnam, France, and the international community, alongside numerous media agencies. Distinguished guests included:
– Mr. Dinh Toan Thang – Ambassador of Vietnam to France
– Major General Do Trieu Phong – Director of the People’s Public Security Communications Department
– Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh – Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Vietnam to UNESCO
– Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan – Chairwoman of VFDA
– Prof. Nguyen Duc Khuong – President of AVSE Global
– Renowned Producers, Directors, and Actors: French and Vietnamese talents such as Directors Régis Wargnier, Tran Anh Hung, Dang Thai Huyen, Stephan Ly Cuong, and Nguyen Huu Muoi; Screenwriter Nguyen Thu Dung; Producers Kieu Thi Thanh Thuy and Tran Thi Bich Ngoc; and Actors Kaity Nguyen, Linh Dan Pham, Le Tu Oanh, Meritorious Artist Le Vi, Hieu Nguyen, and Bao Dinh.
– Acclaimed Artists: Musician Quoc Trung, Cellist Dinh Hoai Xuan, and Diva Hong Nhung.
This massive turnout created a unique atmosphere of artistic exchange, affirming the strong appeal of Vietnamese cinema in Europe.
Impressive Figures and Special Significance
The Film Week attracted over 2,700 audience members from 23 countries, supported by 200 international volunteers. This attendance serves as a testament not only to the spreading power of Vietnamese cinema but also to the solidarity of the global Vietnamese community.
Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang remarked: “The Vietnam Film Week in Paris is a major, pivotal event with deep significance for Vietnamese culture and arts. We hope this will remain an unforgettable milestone on the journey of Vietnam-France cultural exchange.”
In her opening remarks, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan emphasized that the event takes place at a historic moment—marking the 50th anniversary of National Reunification, the 80th National Day of Vietnam, and the 130th anniversary of the birth of world cinema—creating profound symbolic value.
Speaking on behalf of the Organizing Committee, Prof. Nguyen Duc Khuong expressed gratitude to the volunteers and partners, affirming that this event is “the starting point for a journey to bring Vietnamese cinema to many more nations.”
A Unique Opening: A Symphony of Cinema and Music
The opening night began with an emotional artistic program blending cinema and music. Familiar melodies from classic films such as Floating Lives (Cánh đồng bất tận) and The Legend of Quan Tien (Truyền thuyết Quán Tiên) resonated across the Grand Rex stage, evoking unforgettable memories of Vietnam’s “Seventh Art.”
A highlight of the evening was the performance of Sous le Ciel de Paris, featuring the cello of artist Dinh Hoai Xuan and the Paris Orchestra, creating a moment of sublime artistry. Diva Hong Nhung followed with La Vie en Rose, bringing the signature romantic atmosphere of the “City of Light” to the hall.
Hijacked – An Impressive Opening Film
The centerpiece of the night was the premiere of the film “Hijacked” (Tử chiến trên không), inspired by the 1978 hijacking incident. Representing the modern Vietnamese action genre, the film received special attention from international audiences.
Prior to the screening, guests visited the “Panorama of Vietnamese Cinema History” photo exhibition displayed in the Grand Rex lobby.
Both the audience and critics rated the film highly. Director and actor Stéphan Ly Cuong expressed: “I was truly impressed. I have always admired the acting of Kaity Nguyen and Thai Hoa, and this time, they continued to surprise me.”
For the Vietnamese community in France, the film served as a source of pride regarding Vietnamese history, culture, and spirit.
Launching the International Cultural Series of Events “Vietnam – Symphony of Love”
The opening ceremony marked a brilliant start to a series of cultural events initiated by AVSE Global, aimed at promoting Vietnam’s image to the world through creative and profound activities.
The program is expected to welcome 5,000 visitors, featuring 17 excellent films that have won awards or participated in prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes, Berlin, Busan, Hawaii, and Nantes, alongside many contemporary works currently making a splash in Vietnam like Red Rain (Mưa đỏ) and Air Combat.
Beyond screenings, the week includes:
Exhibition: Panorama of Vietnamese Cinema.
Talk shows: Q&A sessions with the public and young filmmakers.
Seminars: Connecting and fostering Vietnam-France film cooperation.
“Vietnam Film Week – The Journey of Light” in Paris not only opens a unique space for cultural and artistic exchange but also marks a new step forward in the international integration of Vietnamese cinema. It affirms the identity, creativity, and aspiration of Vietnamese filmmakers to reach out to the world in this new era.
