Film screening and discussion "Cinema on War: When the Rice Ripens in the Stormy Fields"

This event aims to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the National Reunification Day on April 30th and to pay tribute to those who contributed to this sacred milestone for the nation. The event is also known as "Dang Nhat Minh Film Day" because both films screened are by this director. People's Artist and director Dang Nhat Minh is one of the most prominent filmmakers in Vietnamese cinema. Some of his notable films include:When Will October Come?, Nostalgia for the Countryside, Girl on the River, Guava Season, May, Faces...Thanks to his invaluable contributions to world and Vietnamese cinema, on the evening of March 31, 2022, at the French Embassy, ​​director Dang Nhat Minh was honored to receive the Knight of Arts Order from the French Ministry of Culture. This event, therefore, is also a congratulatory and tribute from the Film Club to the director's illustrious career.

On the morning of April 27, 2022, as part of the film screening event.May, the facesDuring the panel discussion "Cinema about War: When Rice Ripens in Stormy Fields," speakers and guests discussed the points that reflect the personal imprint of author Dang Nhat Minh as shown in the two films.May, the facesandWhen will October come?as well as the unique aspects of Vietnamese art on the theme of war. Opening the seminar, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Thach - Head of the Literature Department (Hanoi University of Social Sciences and Humanities) - stated: “Within the general tone of the era, director Dang Nhat Minh's films still have their own voice, their own ideas about the very humane aspects of this nation.”

Speaking at the panel discussion, director Dang Nhat Minh expressed his emotion when the film...May, the facesHis work still evokes many emotions in viewers. According to the director, one of the things that gives the film its unique voice is its humanistic aspect: "The filmMay, the faces"I don't talk about hatred. That perspective has guided me throughout my filmmaking journey. For me, humanity is the most important element of a work of art."

Regarding the awareness and responsibility of filmmaking, Director Dang Nhat Minh believes that every filmmaker needs to clearly define their goals from the very beginning of their career. In fact, throughout his creative journey, Director Dang Nhat Minh has consistently pursued authentic cinematic art, and this is what has created his unique style and success. In addition, the director also advises everyone to cultivate their cultural and literary knowledge: "Literature is the foundation of cinematic art. The treasure trove of literature has helped me a great deal in my filmmaking career."

Following up on director Dang Nhat Minh's remarks, Associate Professor Pham Thanh Hung shared his perspective as a veteran and a researcher in literature and art.May, the facesAssociate Professor Pham Thanh Hung found common ground in director Dang Nhat Minh's perspective on the war: "This is not a film about the defeat of the enemy, but about the end of the war and the hope that began from May onwards." He also discussed the film in particular.When will October come?From an aesthetic perspective, Associate Professor Pham Thanh Hung stated: "The film lacks beauty, only nobility. And the nobility here is beauty that is pushed aside, broken, and suppressed. It is the sacrifice that creates the sublime value of humanity."

Discussing the filmMay, the facesDr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang, Deputy Head of the Faculty of Literature, shared that she was very impressed with the humanistic depth and imagery in the film. “This is the first film to look at all the soldiers, regardless of their side, from a human perspective.” With the film...When will October come?According to Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang, the work raises issues of both individual and national importance, along with the concern about "how we will operate and develop, how we will strive for the happiness of each family, through the story of a woman's relationship with the community, with the past, with history, and with the present."

Approaching the film from the perspective of cinematic language, Dr. Hoang Cam Giang - Head of the Department of Art Studies - believes that elements of cinematic language such as cinematic landscapes, filmmaking techniques, representation methods, and material selection are all very special: "...director Dang Nhat Minh has blended romantic epic cinema with 'city symphony' cinema - a type of cinema that celebrates speed and civilization. Thanks to this, Saigon in the film has its own face, history, and destiny."

On the afternoon of April 27, 2022, at the film screening.When will October come?Professor Tran Hinh and Dr. Hoang Cam Giang continued to share their thoughts on director Dang Nhat Minh's work. According to Professor Tran Hinh, director Dang Nhat Minh never extremists people. "Even if a character is bad, if they know how to repent, that's still good." According to Dr. Hoang Cam Giang, the film reminds viewers that the meaning of life lies in recognizing one's existence. "The film doesn't just talk about happiness as the ultimate goal, but the value of the journey to find happiness and the meaning of 'sowing' in the field of humanity."