Showbiz stars' struggles get a TV series

A series on the struggles and tribulations entertainers overcome to become stars begins next week on Viet Nam Television.

Nguyen Duc Viet, who made the 30-episode Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu (Dancing with the Stars) – a joint production by VTV and Cat Tien Sa Company – got the idea for the series from the TV reality show of the same name that has been popular in Viet Nam for the last several years.

Viet says the series focuses on the efforts of young artists to reach the limelight.

It analyses the making of the reality dancing show in which 10 celebrities are paired with professional ballroom dancers in a contest, and takes a look backstage at the stars who take part.

Viet said the contestants of the Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu show in 2013 were his first choice for the film.

He chose singer Yen Trang, who won the show in 2013 and is also well-known for her negative characters in movies like Cong Chua Teen va Ngu Ho Tuong (Teenage Princess and Five Bodyguards).

Trang said, "I was chosen for the role of Thuy Truc, a daughter of a rich family who has a passion for dancing and accepts sacrificing everything to pursue her target.

"Because I was trained in dancing [for] Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu, I felt comfortable playing the role."

The film also features singer Maya, another contestant from last year's show, and model Ngoc Quyen, who has acted in several TV series and movies.

Trang says: "Through the film, audiences will know about the hardships and pains youngsters suffer to achieve success in show business."

It begins on VTV3 on July 8.

Vietnamese photographer wins gold medal in Paris awards

Vietnamese photographer Tran Viet Van has won a gold medal at the Prix de la Photographie, Paris (Px3) 2014 for a series of five photos featuring war soldiers.

A press release announced the names of the winners this morning.

Besides the gold medal in the Portraiture – Other – P category, Vans set of photos entitledWar Commander at Time of Peacealso received a bronze medal in the Press – Other category. Both categories are meant for professional photographers.

This is the sixth consecutive year that Van has been honoured at the Px3 photography competition, one of the most important events in Europe and created by the founders of International Photography Awards in 2008.

Born in 1971, Van graduated with a BA degree in culture from the Ha Noi Cultural University in 1992. Hecurrently works for the Lao Dong (Labour) newspaper. He has held nine solo exhibitions and many group exhibitions both at home and abroad, and published four books.

"The commanders used to say, remember and think about the past war. The past is glorious, as is the sacrifice and the pain... But the generals are remembered as heroes. For now, they live quiet, sombre lives as ordinary people and will gradually fade into oblivion," Van said, while speaking about his winning works.

The works recently won an Honourable Mention at the annual photo awards in the Czech Republic and were exhibited in Prague.

Px3 2014 also granted Mohammad Ali Berno of Iran the Photographer of the Year Award for his entryPhotojournalism, and Giorgio Bianchi of Italy the Best New Talent Award for his seriesBattle in Kiev.

The movie Than Tuong (Idol), directed by Quang Huy, will vie for the Kim Dae Jung Nobel Peace Film Award at the 14th Gwangju International Film Festival (GIFF).

The festival will be held in the Republic of Korea (RoK) from August 28 to September 1.

The film tells the story of a young man living in HCM City, and his journey towards becoming a music idol. Despite his father’s disapproval, he works hard to become a concert organiser and then a singer.

It won six Golden Kite awards, given by the Vietnam Cinema Association, last year, including the Best Director Award for Huy.

The Kim Dea Jung Nobel Peace Film Award is given jointly by GIFF and the Kim Dae Jung Peace Foundation. The purpose is to award filmmakers and entertainers who deal with issues such as human rights, peace and freedom.

Director Dang Nhat Minh won the award in 2005 and 2013.

‘Towards the East Sea’ caricature exhibition opens in Hanoi

Eighty caricature paintings are on display at an exhibition called 'Towards the East Sea' which was opened at the Exhibition Hall, 16 Ngo Quyen

St, Hanoi on June 30 by the Vietnam Fine Arts Association (VFAA).

A short time after its launch, the organisers received 198 works from 48 painters across the country.

Addressing the opening ceremony, VFAA Chairman Tran Khanh Chuong said together with people nationwide, the painters strongly decried

China’s blatant act through their latest works about the East Sea.

The exhibition is seen as a significant event showing patriotism in response to the VFAA's strong complaints over China’s illegal placement of

the Haiyang Shiyou 981 within Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, Chuong added.

The exhibition in Hanoi is scheduled to run until July 7, followed by a number of exhibitions in the northern port city of Haiphong and other cities and provinces.

Historical evidences on Hoang Sa, Truong Sa archipelagos exhibited An exhibition featuring historical maps, documents and photographs affirming Vietnam’s sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos opened at Quang Ngai provincial museum, on July 1.

Entitled ‘Vietnam’s Hoang Sa and Truong Sa - Historical Evidence’, the exhibition showcased over 100 maps published in Vietnam, China, and Western countries from the 15th century onwards, which all affirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty over Hoang Sa and Truong Sa archipelagos.

The highlight of the exhibition is a display of a collection of atlases selected and issued by Belgian geographer Philippe Vandermaelen in 1827 showing Vietnam’s sovereignty over both archipelagoes.

Additionally, documents and maps issued by the Chinese people under the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China are being displayed at the event. Many of the documents, which were announced worldwide in the 16th century, indicate the fact that these islands have not historically belonged to China.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister Truong Minh Tuan said that the exhibition is one of the activities designed to pay tribute to the previous generation forprotecting sea and island sovereignty.

The event, organised by the Ministry of Information and Communications, is also expected to raise awareness among people, especially youth, about Vietnam’s sovereignty over the two archipelagos, as well as the importance of protecting the national sea and island sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Public opinions collected on President Ho Chi Minh statue

A mock-up statue of Uncle Ho made by sculptor Lam Quang Noi is on display at the Ho Chi Minh Museum in Ho Chi Minh City to canvass public

opinions on the model.

The bronze statue, which measures 7.2 metres in height, is the best one selected from 32 entries submitted to a contest launched by the city People’s Committee on June 1.

The display of the mock-up, which lasts through July 30, aims to complete the work in order to capture the nobility, simplicity and friendliness of the nation’s great father.

According to artist Lam Quang Noi, he searched many documents on the life and revolutionary career of President Ho in order to gain inspiration for making the work.

After completing the referendum, the statue is scheduled to be completed in May of next year on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Liberation of the South (April 30) and the President’s 125th birthday (May 19). It will be placed at a park in front of the People’s Committee headquarters in Le Thanh Ton street, District 1.

Western Australia hosts photo exhibition on Vietnam

A photo exhibition casting the spotlight on the Vietnamese land, culture and its people got underway in Perth, Western Australia on June 30.

At the opening ceremony, Consult General Le Viet Duyen spoke glowingly of the intrinsic natural beauty of the Vietnamese landscapes, its rich vibrant long-standing culture and, most notably, its hospitable people.

The nation currently has nearly 20 world heritages, including seven world cultural and natural heritages and one global geological park recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) he said.

Many locations throughout the country are gaining worldwide recognition as must- see places to travel to for a holiday he said, naming specifically Ha Long, Nha Trang, Mui Ne and Sapa.

Duyen emphasised that the magnificent images and peaceful life of the nation can be at risk if security and stability in the Asia-Pacific is region is not ensured.

The current East Sea tensions caused by China’s illegal placement of its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981in Vietnam’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) threaten not only peace, security and stability in the region but also security and safety to the most important maritime routes in the East Sea.

“More than half of Australia’s exported products are transported through the East Sea”  he pointed out.

Mike Nahan, Minister for Energy; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests of the Western Australia, in turn, said he has made a number of fascinating visits to Vietnam and was most impressed by the country’s long sandy beaches, beautiful countryside landscapes, the nostalgia of its culture and local people’s hospitality.

He expressed his hope that bilateral relations between Vietnam and Australia, particular Western Australia will flourish for both countries’ mutual benefit.

The exhibition running until July 11, also showcases documentary photos pertaining to China’s deployment of the drilling platform 981 in Vietnam’s EEZ.

The photos depicting vivid images of Chinese vessels firing water cannons at Vietnamese ships and the vicious attack and sinking of a Vietnamese fishing vessel have helped visitors understand about China’s brutal aggressive actions.

Photo contest marks Heritage Day

The third Viet Nam Heritage Photo Awards to celebrate the National Cultural Heritage Day on November 23 began receiving entries yesterday.

Themed The Soul of Viet Nam, the awards aim to raise public awareness on promotion and preservation of cultural and natural heritage values.

Sponsored by Canon Marketing Vietnam, the competition is open to both Vietnamese and foreigners aged 18 and above.

This year, organisers have extended the competition by including a Junior Viet Nam Heritage Awards contest open to people under 18.

Subjects of photos can vary, from nature, daily life, or tangible and intangible heritage.

"I have realised that Viet Nam hides a lot of precious things. We understand the importance of supporting artists and the cultural scene in Viet Nam, and it gives us great pleasure to be in partnership with Vietnam Heritage magazine," said Nick Yoshida, president and CEO of Canon Marketing Vietnam.

As many as 100 photos chosen from entries submitted to the contest will be printed in large format and exhibited in 10 cities across the country, starting from October.

A total of 30 prizes of Canon cameras and printers of different types will be given to winners of the contest that will be announced on October 8.

Entries can be either colour or black-and-white of at least 300 dpi and at most five megabytes. They should be submitted to by September 20.

The contest is organised by Vietnam Heritage magazine under the Vietnam Cultural Heritage Association.

Kids' shows kick off for summer

When summer comes, big television stations like HCM City Television (HTV) and Viet Nam Television (VTV) launch several programmes for children and teenagers.

Last week, HTV and its partner Dong Tay Promotion announced that it would air Vu Dieu Tuoi Xanh, a Vietnamese version of the UK's TV dancing show Baby Ballroom, to find promising dancers aged six to 14. It will take place during the summer.

Nguyen Hai, project manager of Dong Tay, said: "Summer is a free time for kids, so the young dancers feel free and comfortable showing off their dancing interests and talents."

He said adults might like the show as well because it would remind them of their childhood.

After auditions in HCM City and Ha Noi this month, 18 pairs of boys and girls will enter the final which will air at 9pm every Sunday on HTV7 channel from July 13.

They will compete in different dance genres, including sport, hip hop, contemporary and ballroom, for eight shows.

The judges are choreographer John Huy Tran, dance sport champion Nha Khanh, and emcee Tran Thanh. They will decide whom to eliminate every week and the final winner.

Meanwhile, VTV in collaboration with Cat Tien Sa Company hosts another dancing show called Buoc Nhay Hoan Vu Nhi (Dancing with the Star Kids) for children aged six to 13, which will be broadcast in July.

Both enterprises are working to produce a second season of the TV singing show Giong Hat Viet Nhi (The Voice Kids), which kicked off early this month.

Children aged 9-15 are eligible to participate.

Veteran Vietnamese singers and composers Lam Truong, Cam Ly, Luu Huong Giang and Ho Hoai Anh will be the singers' coaches.

The programme is being broadcast on VTV3 every Saturday night.

"Young talents are trained by the best Vietnamese dancers and singers," Hai said, adding that the coaches have provided wise advice to help them succeed in their career after the show.

Last year, The Voice Kids discovered 11-year-old Phuong My Chi, the runner up. With her sweet voice, the girl has issued her latest album Que Em Mua Nuoc Lu (My Hometown in Flood Season) featuring songs about love for the country. It has received a warm welcome from listeners.

TV show producers said they were trying their best to make the programmes suitable to young contestants and make them feel comfortable.

Speaking at a conference to announce the second season of The Voice Kids in April, Lai Bac Hai Dang, director of the season, said the organisers would talk with contestants' parents about any problems so they can help their children overcome difficulties.

Do Thanh Thao, a mother of an 11-year-old boy in Bien Hoa City, said: "My son and I like watching The Voice Kids, but the producers need to make changes to make the programme exciting and attract young audiences. It is nearly the same as The Voice, the version for adults."

Pop singer performs musical theatre

Pop singer Duc Tuan will pay tribute to the songs that made him a star, singing many of them at a concert in HCM City this weekend.

Dau An (The Hallmark) on Saturday will also be a celebration of 14 years in the industry for him.

Tuan will open the show with pop and R&B along with his friends, singers Ngoc Tuyen, Ngoc Anh, and Uyen Linh.

The highlights will be pieces from English and French musicals.

"Pop music brought me fame," 29-year-old says. "But I found myself singing in musical theatre.

"My fans have supported me in challenging myself in the new style."

He will sing pieces from The Phantom of the Opera and immortal songs like This Is the Moment, Memory, and Sunset Boulevard that have been performed countless times on Broadway.

Tuan worked with English conductor-composer Paul Bateman, Canadian singer Genevieve Charest, and Irish sound specialist Colin Voland on how to sing some of the songs.

He made copyright payments of nearly US$20,000 for performing some of the songs at the show.

Tuan's love for opera began at an early age. In 2003 he first enjoyed Broadway musicals while on a visit to New York. "I knew it was my calling," he said in a recent interview with The Thao &Van Hoa (Sports & Culture) newspaper.

"My teachers infused their passion into me. I have no reason to doubt my new style."

He is confident about the success of Hallmark.

His last live concert, Music of the Night in 2009, featured a symphony orchestra of 60 artists, and was performed before a select group of fans. The orchestra played under Bateman.

Then too he sang English and French songs and wowed the audience, which included some famous music critics.

Tuan's singing career got a start in 2000 when he won the HCM City Television Singing Competition, one of the country's top professional singing contests.

With his strong voice and good looks, Tuan has become a big hit with audiences in HCM City and southern provinces.

He has released 14 albums in pop, R&B, and musical theatre. His latest album, Requiem, featuring songs in jazz and opera by veteran composer Pham Duy will be released early next month.

"I hope my show will be a party for my fans," he said.