The first time a Vietnamese film is shown in South Africa

The Embassy of Vietnam in South Africa brings to the 2023 ASEAN Film Festival the film Blue Eyes by director Victor Vu.

Việt Nam tham dự Liên hoan phim ASEAN 2023 tại Nam Phi với bộ phim 'Mắt biếc'. (Nguồn: NLĐ)

Vietnam attends ASEAN Film Festival 2023 in South Africa with the film 'Mat Biec'. (Source: NLĐ)

Taking place over 3 days from November 17-19 in Johannesburg, South Africa, the ASEAN Film Festival 2023 will screen famous films from 7 ASEAN countries including Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The ASEAN Film Festival in South Africa, an initiative and activity of the ASEAN Committee in Pretoria (APC) comprising the diplomatic corps of the 7 ASEAN countries, introduced to the South African public the growing film industry of ASEAN countries with many diverse, attractive and interesting stories, providing a clear image of the country and people of each country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Film Festival, on behalf of APC, Mr. Myint Swe, Ambassador of Myanmar to South Africa, affirmed that the Film Festival is a practical activity that helps connect representative agencies from ASEAN countries in South Africa and at the same time contributes to strengthening the multifaceted relationship between ASEAN and South Africa in general and between member countries and South Africa in particular. This activity also contributes to promoting the image of a dynamic, united and friendly ASEAN to international friends.

Mr. Raymond Medhurst, Head of Southeast Asia, Asia-Middle East Department, South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs , said that the films shown are authentic images of ASEAN countries, with diverse cultures and wonderful people.

“I hope that the films will act as an incentive for audiences to visit these countries. It is clear that the films tell vivid stories about their people and their countries,” said a representative of the South African Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

At this event, the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa brought to the Film Festival the film “Mat Biec” by director Victor Vu. It is known that this is also the first time a Vietnamese film has been screened in South Africa.

Sharing with reporters, Ms. Heather Dixon, a South African audience member, said: “This is the first time I have watched a Vietnamese film. It is a sad and touching film. However, the images and music in the film are very beautiful and I can feel that Vietnam is a very beautiful country.”

Meanwhile, Ms. Zinhle Mdluli felt: “The film shows us the love of the homeland of Vietnamese people and the great connection between people and the place you come from. I think that is a very special message of the film”.

In addition to Blue Eyes , the Vietnamese Embassy in South Africa also brought to the Film Festival many publications introducing the culture, country and people of Vietnam as well as some products from Vietnam that received the attention and welcome of the local people.

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