On the evening of December 5, 2025 in Paris (early morning December 6, 2025 in Vietnam), the Opening Ceremony of the “Vietnam Film Week – The Journey of Light” Week took place with great solemnity at Le Grand Rex – the largest cinema in Europe and a cultural icon of the French capital.
On the evening of December 5, 2025 in Paris (early morning December 6, 2025 in Vietnam), the Opening Ceremony of the “Vietnam Film Week – The Journey of Light” Week took place with great solemnity at Le Grand Rex – the largest cinema in Europe and a cultural icon of the French capital. The event is co-organized by the Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association (VFDA) and AVSE Global, under the auspices of the Embassy of Vietnam in France.
The ceremony had the honor of welcoming: H.E. Mr. Dinh Toan Thang, Ambassador of Vietnam to FranceH.E. Ms. Nguyen Thi Van Anh, Ambassador and Head of the Permanent Delegation of Vietnam to UNESCODr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association (VFDA)Major General Do Trieu Phong, Director of the Department of Communications, Ministry of Public SecurityProf. Nguyen Duc Khuong, Executive Director of EMLV Business School (France), President of AVSE Global … together with representatives of governmental bodies, acclaimed directors, producers, renowned artists, and domestic and international media.
Representatives of the Organizing Committee of “Vietnam Film Week – The Journey of Light” — H.E Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang and Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association
Remarkable Figures and Special Significance of the Week
The event welcomed over 2,700 spectators from 23 countries, creating a vibrant cultural and artistic exchange space among the French public, the Vietnamese community, and lovers of Vietnamese cinema across Europe. Nearly 200 volunteers from various countries contributed to the organization, demonstrating strong solidarity and promoting Vietnamese cultural values.
According to Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang: In her address, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan expressed: “This is the first time such a significant Vietnamese cinema event has been held in the City of Light, Paris, coinciding with Vietnam’s 50th Reunification Anniversary, the 80th National Day, and December—the month when the world commemorates 130 years since the Lumière brothers gave birth to cinema, an art form that has changed history and enriched humanity.
Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang delivered his remarks
“The Vietnam Film Week in Paris is a major, highly important and meaningful cultural event. It highlights Vietnamese culture, art, and cinema, and has been warmly received by the French public and media. We hope this will become an unforgettable milestone in the journey of Vietnamese cinema as well as France–Vietnam cultural exchange.”
Prof. Nguyen Duc Khuong extended profound gratitude to volunteers and partners who helped bring the vision of elevating Vietnamese cinema to the world to life. He emphasized that international audiences joining this “Journey of Light” are witnessing the story of a resilient Vietnam continually moving forward:“Cinema, with its borderless power, is a gateway for the world to understand Vietnam. This event is not the culmination but the beginning—laying the foundation for Vietnamese cinema to reach many more countries and expand global cultural and artistic cooperation.”
Prof. Nguyen Duc Khuong - President of AVSE Global delivered his remarks
A Cinematic–Musical Symphony as an Emotional Opening
The ceremony opened with a unique “symphony” narrated through cinema and music, guiding the audience through the emotional evolution of Vietnamese cinema. Iconic melodies from The Endless Field and The Legend of Quan Tien resonated within the majestic Grand Rex. A highlight was the performance of Sous le Ciel de Paris by cellist Dinh Hoai Xuan accompanied by the Paris Symphony Orchestra’s string ensemble. Diva Hong Nhung's rendition of the timeless classic La vie en rose became an emotional peak of the evening.
Cellist Dinh Hoai Xuan, together with the Orchestre National de France, performed in a mini-concert prior to the screening of the film “Hijacked"Diva Hong Nhung, cellist Dinh Hoai Xuan, and the accompanying musicians express their gratitude to the audience.
“Hijacked" Leaves a Strong Impression on French Audiences
The spotlight of the opening night was the premiere screening of the Vietnamese action feature “Hijacked”, inspired by the 1978 hijacking incident—representing the ambition and scale of contemporary Vietnamese cinema. Before the screening, guests visited the panoramic exhibition on Vietnamese cinema displayed in the theater lobby. International viewers expressed surprise and delight:
Director–Actor Stephan Ly Cuong shared: “I am truly impressed. The performances were exceptional. Vietnamese cinema is growing rapidly and absolutely capable of crossing borders.”
Mr. Jean-Marc Leheurte of Gustave Eiffel University noted: “Although unfamiliar with Vietnamese cinema, I believe it deserves a place among high-quality films studied and appreciated globally.”
Vietnamese student Hoang Khanh in Paris said: “Watching ‘Air Battle’ filled me with pride and love for my homeland. I hope more cinema weeks like this will be held in France.”
Mr. Augustin Brutus Jay Kumar (India) emphasized the importance of Asian representation in Europe through authentic Vietnamese films and praised the professionalism of the organizing team.
Vietnamese and International Filmmakers and Stars Gather in Celebration
The event became a dynamic meeting point for film professionals and celebrated artists from Vietnam, France, and beyond.On the Grand Rex red carpet, actress Kaity Nguyen said: “It is an immense honor to be here in Paris. I believe this is a major step forward for Vietnamese cinema.”
Meritorious Artist Le Vi shared: “Vietnam’s cinematic evolution mirrors our nation’s history—from war to peace to integration. This cultural exchange will open new opportunities for Vietnamese cinema.”
Actress Linh Dan Pham, star of the legendary Indochine and a recent César Award honoree, noted: “Vietnamese cinema has come a long way and is now wonderfully diverse.”
Renowned French director Kim Chapiron added: “Vietnamese cinema absolutely deserves a presence in France. I look forward to discovering more Vietnamese filmmakers and stories.”
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan affirmed: “The Vietnam Cinema Week in Paris will offer audiences rich, diverse, and profound experiences from the films that together form the ‘Journey of Light’ of Vietnamese cinema over the past half-century.”
