VietNamNet Bridge – French director Andre Menras has affirmed his commitment to continue his quest to document the continually evolving story of the fishermen of Hoang Sa (Paracel) and their struggle against Chinese oppression.

Hoang Sa film shown for free

Andre made the affirmation at a screening in Hanoi on July 11 of his current documentary film entitled “: Hoang Sa Vietnam: Noi dau mat mat” (Vietnam’s Hoang Sa: the Pain and Losses).

The 59 minute-long film reflects on Ly Son fishermen at Hoang Sa  and their efforts in overcoming hardships to earn a living It is also a story about the women of Hoang Sa, who have sacrificed for their family and suffered great losses as a result of their husbands lost at sea.

Andre said soon after the exchange he will go to Vietnam’s Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago to commence a new documentary on a three-generation family in Danang who have supported fishermen in fishing at Hoang Sa fishing ground.

The family started with one 4-horsepower vessel and now they have a fleet of 1,200 vessels. Despite storms and threats from China they still fish at their traditional fishing ground, sending a clear message that Vietnamese fishermen will never give up their traditional fishing ground, Andre said.

Andre Menras – Ho Cuong Quyet is a French director who has long identified himself with Vietnam and participated in innumerable activities to support the Vietnamese struggle against the US in the past.

He has published a book entitled “Exit Saigon prison - we denounce”, accusing brutality of the US imperialists on communists, women and children.

He is the main character in two documentary films made in Vietnam "Mr. Tay Viet Cong" and "André Menras, a Vietnamese”. He was the first foreigner to be granted Vietnamese citizenship in 2009.

VOV/VNN