Panel discussion "Flow, Film: Rekindling Cinema from the Works of Nguyen Huy Thiep"

The event is part of a week of films adapted from the works of writer Nguyen Huy Thiep. This activity aims to pay tribute to Nguyen Huy Thiep and his contributions. His works are not limited to the realm of literature, but have also become an endless source of inspiration for directors creating their own cinematic works.

As part of the film week, the Film Club selected to screen the films "Nostalgia for the Countryside," "The Woodcutters," and "Mother's Soul."

All three films are adaptations of the works of the same name by writer Nguyen Huy Thiep. Each film tells a different story, set in different historical contexts. However, they all portray characters with immense inner strength. They do not give up in the face of life's difficulties and always aspire to good values ​​that transcend the tragedies of the present.

Notably, the seminar featured the participation of film directors: People's Artist Dang Nhat Minh, Meritorious Artist Vuong Duc, and People's Artist Pham Nhue Giang; and film researchers: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Pham Xuan Thach, Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang, Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, and Dr. Hoang Cam Giang. The seminar also included many lecturers and researchers from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University, Hanoi), Hanoi Pedagogical University, and Hanoi University of Theatre and Film.

Sharing his thoughts on adapting Nguyen Huy Thiep's story, director Dang Nhat Minh said that bringing "Nostalgia for the Countryside" to the screen was a stroke of luck for him: "The short story 'Nostalgia for the Countryside' sparked my passion to turn it into a film, and I just kept writing the script." According to the director, one of the elements that creates the "cinematic quality" in Nguyen Huy Thiep's stories is that the author never reveals the message. This is a characteristic very similar to filmmaking.

Director Dang Nhat Minh shared at the event.

According to director Pham Nhue Giang, the stories of writer Nguyen Huy Thiep not only inspired her filmmaking but also held great personal significance. These books were once her "bedside reading." “Nguyen Huy Thiep’s stories feature people who deeply love their homeland, yet are powerless in the face of life’s hardships. However, they still cherish the dream of going to the sea, of striving for something better. That is also the aspiration of all Vietnamese people,” the director shared.

Director Pham Nhue Giang commented: "The issues and stories in Nguyen Huy Thiep's works are never outdated and will always remain relevant."

According to director Vuong Duc, one of the things that makes writer Nguyen Huy Thiep unique is the layers of meaning built into his works: "Nguyen Huy Thiep is a writer with profound ideas. His writing is multi-layered and multi-meaningful, and the better the literature, the more difficult it is to adapt."

Director Vuong Duc shared his thoughts at the panel discussion.

At the seminar, film researchers shared their insights on the inspirational potential of Nguyen Huy Thiep's stories. Associate Professor Pham Xuan Thach stated: "Among writers after the Doi Moi (Renovation) period, Nguyen Huy Thiep has the deepest connection with cinema. His stories evoke many thoughts that resonate with our shared feelings." He also added that the unique themes and atmosphere in Nguyen Huy Thiep's stories have spurred directors to create.

Associate Professor Pham Xuan Thach shared this at the seminar.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thu Thuy, as a researcher on adaptation issues, commented: "Nguyen Huy Thiep's stories have the potential to create endless cycles of creation. The textual life of Nguyen Huy Thiep has continued in his adapted works. The films have touched upon the wounded lives of people in society. All three films create beautiful dialogues with the original texts."

Literary and cinematic works always have a two-sided relationship and influence each other. "Firstly, the appeal of literary works convinces filmmakers to adapt the stories to the screen. From there, the film gives new life to the literary works, and this new life, in turn, leads the original text to the reader," commented Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang.

The literary works of writer Nguyen Huy Thiep will undoubtedly have a lasting impact, extending beyond the realm of literature and the era in which we live. Like the title "Flow On, River," the underlying currents of Nguyen Huy Thiep's thought will continue to flow within us, a belief and aspiration for goodness that will always be present in life.