The seminar had the presence of two authors and speakers: Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Ngoc Thanh (former Principal of the University of Theatre and Cinema, Ho Chi Minh City) and Associate Professor, Dr. Phung Ngoc Kien (Department of Art Studies, Faculty of Literature). In addition, the event also had the participation of many experts, researchers, lecturers on cinema, readers, students and pupils from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities and other schools in Hanoi.
Associate Professor, Dr. Hoang Cam Giang moderated the discussion.
At the beginning of the discussion, Associate Professor Dr. Hoang Cam Giang (Head of the Department of Art Studies) introduced the two authors and the two books Cinema as a Technique and Sociology of Film, as well as the reasons why the Department proposed the Faculty of Literature to organize a discussion on the research theories of "introspection" (cinematic techniques) and "extrospection" (cinematic sociology) in the field of film research and criticism today. She also introduced the working process of the two authors (Associate Professor Dr. Vu Ngoc Thanh and Associate Professor Dr. Phung Ngoc Kien) that brought about the results that are present in the discussion, which are two books, two important textbooks for students of cinema and readers who love cinema. Ms. Giang also introduced the teachers as commentators of the discussion, and introduced the representative of the Faculty of Literature Board to give the opening speech. Speaking at the discussion, Dr. Nguyen Thi Nam Hoang (Deputy Head of the Faculty of Literature) shared that the discussion not only demonstrated the personal efforts of the two researchers but also marked a milestone for the Faculty of Literature's efforts to contribute to the country's common cultural and artistic foundation.
From the sharing of Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Ngoc Thanh, the audience witnessed the process of the book "Cinema as a Technique" from the initial stage of just an urge to return to the micro level of filmmaking, to a systematic theoretical work on "cinematic techniques" on many macro levels (drama, narrative, expressive values and four basic filmmaking techniques) and under many lenses of modern film theory.
Based on the theory of "cinematic techniques" issues of Associate Professor, Dr. Vu Ngoc Thanh, author Phung Ngoc Kien continues to introduce the issue of cinema's appearance through the book "Sociology of Cinema". The book deeply analyzes the issues of cinema in close correlation with social relationships, social institutions in cinema, symbols, the world of cinema, etc.
Associate Professor Dr. Phung Ngoc Kien expressed hope that the book will become a useful reference for students, trainees, researchers and readers who love cinema.
Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Nhu Trang (Head of the Department of Literary Theory, Faculty of Literature) emphasized the systematic nature as well as the ability to cover the film text of both works. From the perspective of a film narrative expert, "Cinema as a Technique" explains the way to construct the formal structure of the film text and "Cinema Sociology" reflects that structure from the force field of sociology.
Associate Professor, Dr. Pham Xuan Thach (former Head of the Faculty of Literature) highly appreciated the results of the two researchers' serious and persistent scientific work. From in-depth theories about cinema, to analyzing very specific examples of classic cinema works, the two authors have provided readers with many tools to be able to "read cinema" in a "decent, careful and scientific" way, thereby contributing to the development of Vietnamese cinema, whether from the perspective of a professional or the public.
MSc. Hoang Da Vu (Deputy Director of the Institute of Theatre and Cinema, Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema) acknowledged that the two works are not only valuable in research and teaching, but also important to those who work directly in the profession.
Director Nguyen Hoang Diep affirmed that the two books are elaborate scientific works, providing concrete tools for us to understand a film work and how to reproduce cinematic knowledge in social life. From the experience of a filmmaker, director Hoang Diep also shared more about the role of the director, technicians, censorship institutions and especially the public when deciding the vitality and success of a film work.
In conclusion of the commentary, GVC. Tran Hinh reaffirmed the contributions of both works: the book "Cinema as a Technique" provides basic, easily accessible knowledge as an important textbook; and "Cinema Sociology" opens up many new research directions revolving around the social life of cinema.
The seminar brought about a meaningful scientific activity, evoking many thoughtful exchanges for future research on Vietnamese cinema. The two works "Cinema as a Technique" and "Sociology of Cinema" are not only valuable reference materials for teaching and research but also open up new approaches to cinema practice.
Some pictures at the seminar:
