VietNamNet Bridge – Short documentary Brisbane, My Lover by Vietnamese journalist Trung Nghia will be screened at its premiere at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia tomorrow, Aug 11.

The film features scenery and people of Brisbane, as well as the beautiful Vietnamese ao dai (traditional long robe) worn by Vietnamese students there.

The screening is in the framework of the cultural event, Chao Viet Nam (Hello Viet Nam) by Vietnamese Students Association at the university, where various Vietnamese folk art will also be displayed.

* Southern traditional music contest popularises opera

Selection rounds for the sixth Vong Co (Nostalgic Tunes) Golden Bell Contest held by HCM City Television (HTV) are underway nationwide.

The contest aims to preserve and promote vong co, an art form that is part of the cai luong (reformed opera) performed in the southern part of the country.

The annual event featuring traditional songs native to southern Viet Nam also aims to find talented artists who will help popularise traditional art.

Vong co is a set of sad and languorous tunes depicting the hopes, dreams and laments of farmers living in the Cuu Long (Mekong) River Delta region.

HTV general director Nguyen Quy Hoa said they hoped to encourage young people, aged 16-35, particularly in urban areas, to learn and love the traditional art.

The contest's preliminary rounds have been taking place since this week in Ha Noi, HCM City, the central province of Phu Yen, and the southern provinces of Ca Mau, Hau Giang and Ben Tre.

The panel of judges will choose ten finalists for the final round that will be held in HCM City next month.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News