French TV portrays Vietnam’s beauty

French TV “France 3” on May 23 aired a long documentary introducing Vietnam’s natural beauty and the unique customs of different regions.

Through a program “Faut pas rever”, Tania Young takes French TV viewers on a journey along the S-shaped country from Hanoi through Hue to Ho Chi Minh City.

The program provides an insight into the living conditions of Dao and Pa Then ethnic minority groups in the northern mountain province of Ha Giang and the hectic busy life of people on Cai Be floating market in Tien Giang province.

French viewers are interested in watching Hanoians doing their daily morning exercises along Hoan Kiem Lake and public dances around Ly Thai To flower park in the capital city.

Tomb and temple complexes in Hue are attractive destinations for French audiences. They get to see a birds’ eye view of the beautiful landscape in Hue, including the Huong River, and Royal Palace. The presenter met the latest imperial concubine of the royal family who told about the royal life before the August 1945 Revolution.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the crew feature the face-paced, bustling life and modern buildings. They tell of the hardship of workers and simple living condition of farmers.

In addition, the program also introduces the Huong (Perfume) Pagoda festival, water puppet arts and the charming beauty of Ha Long Bay – World Heritage Site.

The two-hour documentary introduces Vietnam’s beautiful landscape and cultural identities. It makes viewers fall in love with Vietnam – a peaceful country which is developing strongly.

Promoting Vietnamese culture in Australia

A large number of Overseas Vietnamese (OVs) and Australian friends on May 24 attended an exhibition featuring the culture of Vietnam in Narrogin Town, West Australia.

At the opening ceremony, Consul General to Perth Le Viet Duyen highlighted remarkable progress in bilateral relations over the past 41 years in all fields, ranging from economics, politics, education, science and technology to security and defence, especially when the two countries established a comprehensive partnership in 2009.

Duyen said the celebration and cultural exhibition in Narrogin is one of activities to promote culture, mutual understanding and comprehensive cooperation between the two countries.

He also said that China’s illegal placement of drilling rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s exclusive economic zone and continental shelf has violated international law, causing concern in the world and threatening peace, security and stability in the region.

In turn, echoing Duyen’s sentiments, Sport and Recreation Minister Terry Waldron also spoke highly of activities, including introduction of Vietnam’s culture in the city, to mark bilateral diplomatic ties. He said hoped such programs will further be held to boost mutual understanding and bilateral relations.

Narrogin Mayor Leigh Ballard expressed his hope that the city will set up a twin relationship with Vietnamese city to bolster future multifaceted cooperation between the two localities.

The exhibition running until May 31 gives visitors a chance to watch temporary paintings, calligraphies, traditional ceramic products and water puppets and enjoyed Vietnam’s traditional cuisines.

Photos reveal intricate art of communal temple engravings

Photos and videos of dragon and fairy engravings on pillars and wooden walls of Vietnamese communal temples from the 16th century to the early 19th century are being shown as part of an exhibit at the Ho Chi Minh City Fine Arts Museum.

The exhibition, organised by the Vietnam University of Fine Arts and the museum, includes 102 photos featuring the architecture and engravings of more than 40 temples in northern Vietnam.

Five short documentaries and a 3D film on topics related to the northern communal temples are also part of the exhibit.

"It's a good chance for city residents to know more about the traditional culture of the countryside in this region where few people can visit," said Ma Thanh Cao, the museum's director.

University experts and professors collected the photos and videos during a two-year research project on the values and cultural heritage of communal temples.

They visited hundreds of temples in many northern provinces, including Thai Binh, Quang Ninh, Phu Tho and Bac Ninh, and in Hanoi.

Le Van Suu, the university's headmaster, said: "Communal temples were places for community activities, ranging from administrative work to entertainment, and played an important role in people's life. However, in modern society, their original functions have disappeared."

Dragons and fairies symbolising the nation's legendary father Lac Long Quan and mother Au Co can be found in most of the temples.

"They symbolise the country's solidarity," he said.

The exhibition, held at the Vietnam Cultural Centre in Paris in September 2012, was warmly received by visitors and overseas Vietnamese.

The exhibition at the Fine Arts Museum at 97A Pho Duc Chinh street in District 1 will end on June 23.

Seminar looks for solutions to preserve Central Highlands culture

Solutions to preserve and develop the cultures of ethnic groups in the Central Highlands of Tay Nguyen were the focus of a seminar held in the central province of Phu Yen on May 24.

Reports presented at the seminar noted that many unique cultural characteristics in the region are being undermined, such as communal rituals and activities, traditional values and traditional crafts. The communal bond has weakened and the role of village elders is diminishing.

Addressing the event, Vu Ngoc Hoang, deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education said in order to preserve the local culture, it is important to preserve forests, which are a factor of decisive significance to Tay Nguyen’s economy and culture.

He also stressed the importance of maintaining the village community, which is the basis for all cultural activities of local ethnic groups, as well as these groups’ languages and scripts.

The official suggested combining tourism with the preservation of the region’s culture.

The Tay Nguyen region, which comprises five provinces of Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Lam Dong, Gia Lai and Kon Tum, is said to be a land of mysterious mountains and forests with a significant population of ethnic minorities whose varied customs and lifestyles are an anthropologist's delight.

In particular, the region’s gong cultural space was recognised as a Masterpiece of the Oral and an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005.