Through the universal theme of "love in art," the series of events aims to evoke appreciation, critique, and dialogue about the "healing," connecting, soothing, and uplifting power of love and art on the human spirit, especially in the context of the stressful social distancing period of the pandemic. Therefore, according to Dr. Hoang Cam Giang, head of the Department of Art Studies (Faculty of Literature) and curator of the event series, said: “The selected films all contain contemporary elements, linked to the challenging issues of the pandemic, lockdowns, digitalization, and the increasing loss of physical interaction and touch… This is also when people deeply feel the lack of ‘essence,’ the absence of life, and even the exhaustion of spirit – as Byung-Chul Han puts it – the collapse caused by the ‘fatigue virus.’ When they lose themselves, they simultaneously lose the ability to see and touch, connect and interact with the Other, meaning they lose the only path to love and be loved. Conversely, the Other, in love, is no longer a ‘hell’ as philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre described it, but becomes a ‘source,’ a ‘possibility,’ a ‘potential’ for Healing.”
On October 10, 2021, the first screening and panel discussion of "Norwegian Wood" – A Time to Love, a Time to Live – was successfully held with the participation of two speakers, Dr. Tran Thi Thuc (Faculty of Literature) and Ms. Hoang Da Vu (Hanoi University of Theatre and Film), and approximately 130 attendees. Throughout the panel discussion, under the guidance of host Ms. Le Thi Tuan (Faculty of Literature), the speakers and guests provided in-depth and insightful analyses of the novel and the film.Norwegian WoodThe discussion focused on the adaptation between literature and film, and on love and the healing potential of art. According to the speakers, it was through love that the character Watanabe Toru and other young people were able to navigate their arduous and painful journey of growing up. Although the film tells the story of young Japanese people in the 1960s, young Vietnamese people can find themselves reflected in it.
Following the success of the first event, on October 17, 2021, the film screening and panel discussion “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” took place with the participation of two speakers, Dr. Nguyen Thanh Tung (Faculty of Political Science) and Dr. Hoang Cam Giang (Faculty of Literature), host Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich (Faculty of Literature), and 110 audience members. According to the speakers and guests, with a complex structure and intelligently crafted script that doesn't overwhelm the audience, the film...Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless MindThe discussion delved into the inner world of human beings as they experienced both the positive and negative emotions of romantic relationships. The consensus was that, in an era where people often tend to deliberately "forget" or escape reality, they ultimately cannot escape their own hearts. Only by confronting and honestly acknowledging hurt can we have a chance at happiness and move forward.
The final film screening and panel discussion in the series of events,The Intouchables – Finding Yourself in OthersThe event took place on the afternoon of October 24, 2021, with two speakers, Dr. Nguyen Thuy Linh (Faculty of Literature) and Ms. Nguyen Thi Bich (Faculty of Literature), host Pham Duc Minh (Head of the Film Club's Executive Board), and over 80 audience members. The film...The IntouchablesHumorous, lighthearted, yet full of profound ideas, the presentation received special appreciation from the audience. After more than two hours of discussion, the speakers and guests all agreed that art and love between people, regardless of age, class, or personality, are ways for people to rediscover themselves and "heal" their wounds.
Despite being held online, the series of events attracted over 400 attendees, including lecturers, students, researchers, and film enthusiasts from across the country. Although primarily a welcoming event for new students in 2021, as Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang, Deputy Head of the Literature Faculty, mentioned, the film screenings and panel discussions transcended the boundaries of a typical welcoming event, becoming a space for art lovers to interact, share their profound perspectives, and seek "healing" during the pandemic.
The series of events demonstrated the efforts of the Department of Art Studies in connecting, interacting, and spreading knowledge and positive energy from art to the community during the pandemic. The film screenings and seminars also received very positive feedback from the audience, including teachers and students from both inside and outside the university. Ms. Hoang Da Vu (Hanoi University of Theatre and Film) highly appreciated the significance and organization of the series of events: “The series of events was organized very professionally. Participating in the series of events, I had the opportunity to interact with many teachers and broaden my horizons.” Hoang Nguyen Huong said: “I sat for hours but didn't feel bored at all. The teachers spoke very well and I was truly captivated. Many issues were addressed, not only within the scope of the film but also in life.”
