The Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation (TAEF) successfully hosted the 2024 "Vietnam Film Day" on Sunday, December 15, at SPOT Huashan Cinema, attracting nearly 500 attendees. With Vietnamese cinematic artistry as its theme, the event highlighted Vietnam's rich and diverse culture and history, using film as a medium to strengthen Taiwan-Vietnam cultural ties and further advance the New Southbound Policy's cultural exchange achievements.
In collaboration with the Vietnamese arts organization Hanoi Grape Vine, the festival presented three iconic Vietnamese films: the box office sensation You and Trinh (Em và Trịnh, Taiwan premiere), winner of the Berlin International Film Festival’s “Best First Feature” award Cu Li Never Cries (Cu Li Không Bao Giờ Khóc), and the documentary Children of the Mist (Những Đứa Trẻ Trong Sương), which earned the "Best International Director Award" at the Amsterdam International Documentary Film Festival. The festival was divided into three curated sections: revisiting classics that reflect historical milestones, exploring innovative visions from emerging directors, and spotlighting socially conscious documentaries. These programs immersed audiences in the diverse charm and cultural essence of Vietnamese cinema.
The opening ceremony was attended by distinguished guests, including Nguyen Anh Dung, Director of the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei; Lin Chi-Yang (Xiang Yang), Chairman of the National Culture and Arts Foundation; Chi Tung-Yang, Head of the Department of Cultural Exchanges of the Ministry of Culture; and Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao, Chairman of the Taiwan-Asia Exchange Foundation. They highlighted the vital role of cultural exchange in fostering mutual understanding and deepening Taiwan-Vietnam friendship, while expressing optimism for future collaborations.
TAEF Chairman Hsin-Huang Michael Hsiao underscored the symbolic role of cinema in cultural exchange, noting that the three Vietnamese films showcased diverse themes such as musical legends, family issues, and the interplay between tradition and modernity. He emphasized, “We will continue promoting similar film events to deepen cultural collaboration under the New Southbound Policy+ and strengthen artistic and cultural ties between Taiwan and Vietnam.” Hsiao also expressed hopes for introducing Taiwanese poets and works to Vietnam to further expand the scope and depth of bilateral cultural exchanges.
Nguyen Anh Dung, Director of the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei, praised the event for offering audiences a deeper understanding of Vietnamese life through cinema. He highlighted that all three films presented had received multiple international awards, reflecting Vietnam’s societal landscapes and cultural uniqueness. He remarked, “Beyond economic and trade cooperation, many aspects of cultural exchange originate from such humanistic connections.”
Lin Chi-Yang (Xiang Yang), Chairman of the National Culture and Arts Foundation, noted during his speech, “Though it’s winter outside, today’s films bring us the warmth of a hearth.” He mentioned the October 2024 signing of a memorandum of understanding among TAEF, the National Culture and Arts Foundation, and the Vietnam Research Center at National Cheng Kung University with two major Vietnamese institutions, laying a new foundation for cultural exchange. Lin emphasized that the foundation would continue advancing multifaceted collaborations in literature, arts, and film to enhance mutual understanding and partnership.
Chi Tung-Yang, Head of the Department of Cultural Exchanges of the Ministry of Culture, described the Vietnam Film Festival as “professionally curated and methodologically sound—a successful example.” He praised TAEF’s in-depth research and efforts in fostering exchanges with New Southbound nations, offering a precise model for international cooperation. He added that such cultural promotions not only enhance mutual understanding but also provide a robust platform for Taiwan-Vietnam collaboration, laying the groundwork for future cultural exchanges.
Following the screening of You and Trinh, a post-film discussion was held, moderated by Liao Yun-Chang, Director of the Independent Opinion @ CommonWealth Magazine. Panelists included Luo Yi-Wen, Assistant Professor at National Tsing Hua University and an expert in Vietnamese literature, and Guo Ta Hsin, a PhD candidate in musicology at the University of Vienna. The discussion delved into the cultural significance and artistic value of the film, focusing on Trịnh Công Sơn’s music as a symbol of spiritual unity during the Vietnam War and post-reunification period. The panelists analyzed the film’s nostalgic musical style, philosophical underpinnings, and emotional resonance, while also highlighting the importance of exploring Trịnh’s music through cultural tourism.
In addition to the film screenings, the event featured a Vietnamese cultural experience, with specialty coffee and snacks provided by renowned Vietnamese brands "Cộng Cà Phê" and "Ming Jih" Vietnamese Restaurant. These offerings were a hit among attendees, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.
The organization of Vietnam Film Day reflects TAEF’s longstanding efforts in cultural exchange. Since the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the National Culture and Arts Foundation, and the Vietnam National Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) in 2019, TAEF has continued to deepen Taiwan-Vietnam cultural ties. The latest collaboration in 2024 with the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences – Institute of Cultural Studies (VASS-ICS) and the Vietnam Writers’ Association (VWA) further demonstrates the growth and strength of this cultural connection.
