Photographer Nguyen A's heart for the people of Lang Nu village

Launching a photo book titled Rising to Lang Nu Village, photographer Nguyen A said that all proceeds from the book sales will be donated to the people here.

On March 10, at the Vietnam Women's Museum, photographer Nguyen A launched a photo book and exhibition called "Rising to Lang Nu Village" - a village in Phuc Khanh Commune, Bao Yen District, Lao Cai Province, which was hit by flash floods in September 2024, killing 60 people, leaving many missing, and burying dozens of households' houses in Typhoon Yagi.

Photographer Nguyen A gives photos to people in Lang Nu village. (Photo: An Le)

The event showed that the storm not only left serious material consequences but also posed a great challenge to the spirit of the people here. With strong will, the people of Lang Nu have gradually restored their lives.

In that journey, the attention of the State, the Government, the companionship of local authorities and the community plays the role of "a guiding light", providing timely material and spiritual support and long-term development orientation.

Thereby spreading the valuable message of humanity, sharing and community responsibility in building a better life.

Memorable working days

Rising up to Lang Nu village is both a word of encouragement and a warm handshake, a hug of sharing from the author and people everywhere for the people here.

Sharing about his working days, artist Nguyen A could not hold back his tears when recalling the time he ate, slept, and shared loss and grief with the people of Lang Nu.

Photographer Nguyen A shares about the photo of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh meeting with people from Lang Nu village which was chosen as the cover of the photo book. (Photo: An Le)

He said that he initially only intended to take photos to supplement his archive and not to make a photo book, but Lang Nu kept him there for nearly 5 months. “I didn’t think this place would keep me here for nearly 5 months, with a total of 11 trips,” he recalled.

The road from Ho Chi Minh City to Lang Nu is long and not easy to travel, especially the section from the center of Bao Ha district to Lang Nu is very difficult because in early September and October the weather is erratic, the roads are slippery, and there are many landslides.

“There were days when I had to go to Lang Nu early in the morning or at night, and I had to ride my motorbike to get to the last stretch from Pho Rang town to Lang Nu. At times like that, I told myself to try my best to capture as many images of what was happening here as possible, telling everyone about Lang Nu that gradually overcame adversity with the love of thousands of hearts from all over the country,” he recalled.

Artist Nguyen A witnessed the army troops providing relief day and night, philanthropists who traveled far to help, and local leaders who always stood side by side with the people.

Notably, on December 22, 2024, when Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his delegation visited Lang Nu, artist Nguyen A took meaningful photos and one of his favorite photos was chosen as the cover photo for this special photo book.

The launching ceremony of the photo book and exhibition "Rising up Lang Nu village" received positive support from delegates from ministries, departments, organizations, businesses, artists and the public. (Photo: An Le)

During the Tet holiday of At Ty, artist Nguyen A returned to Lang Nu to depict the lives of the people who are "changing" day by day. Also present at this event were the main characters in his photos such as Village Chief Hoang Van Diep, Ms. Dang Thi Nich, Ms. Hoang Thi Mien, Mr. Nguyen Van Tuan, little Nguyen Thi Tuynh and teacher Nguyen Xuan Khang - who has pledged to support 22 students to survive until they are 18 years old, also sending their hopes for a brighter tomorrow.

Sharing here, Village Chief Hoang Van Diep emotionally expressed his thanks to the Party, the State, the armed forces and the people of the whole country for always standing side by side with the people in times of trouble. He said that thanks to the timely support, up to now, the people of Lang Nu have new houses and their lives have gradually stabilized. He hopes to continue to receive support from all levels and sectors to overcome difficulties in economic development in the coming time.

Inspiring will to live and compassion

With nearly 250 photos, Vuon len lang nu village records the resilient journey of the people of Lang Nu village through 5 parts of content: Unforeseen days of pain; Fragile hope and militia love in storms and floods; Warm sharing of human love; After the rain, the sky clears again; The first spring .

After the first pages depicting the devastated scene after the flood, the majority of the photo book's content records the process of recovery of the people in Lang Nu village thanks to the support of the government, rescue forces and philanthropists. This is a clear demonstration of the affection and care of the Party and State for the people.

Artist Nguyen A shared: “Coming to Lang Nu, I saw with my own eyes the ultimate loss and pain as well as felt the warmth of love, helping me understand more about 'life arising from death'.

This is my 21st book, and it is also an opportunity for me to send a message: “Let’s give love and hope together. All difficulties will be easily overcome, let’s join hands to make life better.”

The exhibition “Rising up Lang Nu Village” is taking place at the Vietnam Women’s Museum. (Photo: An Le)

Expressing his gratitude for the kindness of photographer Nguyen A, teacher Nguyen Xuan Khang hopes that the message of the book will be spread so that everyone can join in doing meaningful work to help the people of Lang Nu overcome difficult times.

Along with the book, the exhibition "Rising to Lang Nu Village" displaying over 40 single photos and photo collections by artist Nguyen A will also be introduced to the public until March 12 at the Vietnam Women's Museum.

Photographer Nguyen A, 57 years old, used to work at the Gia Dinh Photography Club (Ho Chi Minh City). Previously, he has published more than 20 photo books accompanying the Exhibition, including Tam va Tai - Who are they?, Hoang Sa - Truong Sa - Vietnam's sea and islands, 11 Vietnamese intangible cultural heritages honored by UNESCO, They lived like that .

Previously, artist Nguyen A held an exhibition in Ho Chi Minh City. In the near future, the photos will continue to be introduced to the public of Lang Nu village.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/tam-long-cua-nghe-si-nhiep-anh-nguyen-a-danh-cho-nguoi-dan-thon-lang-nu-307069.html