Overcoming the Waves: Tales of the City of 50 Blooming Seasons

On the afternoon of March 20, Ho Chi Minh City Television held a press conference to introduce the documentary project Overcoming the Waves . This is a work made to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification (April 30, 1975 - April 30, 2025).

The crew members behind the series Overcoming Waves. Photo: TFS

The film not only recreates history but also pays tribute to the people who have dedicated themselves to building the city from the difficult days. It is a story about the people of Ho Chi Minh City - resilient, creative, and constantly striving people. At the same time, this is also a source of inspiration for today's young generation - those who continue to write the dream of Ho Chi Minh City constantly reaching out.

At the premiere, director Pham Viet Phuoc, Director of TFS, said that this is a project that has been cherished for quite a long time. The process of making the film was very lucky because there was an opportunity to meet the characters and living witnesses, helping the audience feel the authenticity.

The name of the series " Crossing the Waves" was also considered and thought about by the crew members for a very long time before reaching a final agreement.

The documentary Overcoming Waves originated from the idea of ​​General Director of Ho Chi Minh City Television Cao Anh Minh. The project was then assigned to TFS. To complete the 37 episodes, more than 10 crews worked together to divide the work into different stages and content areas with the participation of directors: My Khanh, Quoc Thai, Quoc Son, Thu Trang, Ngoc Thao, My Trang, Ngoc Ha, Ngoc Lan, Luu Trong Tin, Tran Thuyet, Thuy Trang... Each crew will be responsible for 1-2 contents in each stage to keep up with the progress.

Director Pham Viet Phuoc shares about the process of making the film. Photo: TFS

The city's 50-year journey is recreated in Overcoming Waves through three stages: 1975-1985, 1986-1999 and 2000-2025. From the time of liberation, still in turmoil after the war, to the period of "breaking the fence" of subsidies, opening up to develop the economy and to today, the city has become the economic locomotive of the whole country, with impressive GDP growth, improved material and spiritual life, building Ho Chi Minh City with good quality of life, civilized, modern, and affectionate.

Phase 1: 1975 - 1985 The subsidy period includes 12 episodes exploring the days after liberation of Ho Chi Minh City, full of "wounds" of war. The country was unified but life was not peaceful: the economy was exhausted, goods were scarce, millions of people struggled to make a living in a society just emerging from war.

Sharing in the joy of peace, the city has embarked on construction journeys. In particular, this is also the period of breaking barriers in food, import and export...

The crew was divided into more than 10 different film crews to make 37 episodes. Photo: TFS

Phase 2: 1986 - 1999 The renovation period consisted of 9 episodes with the turning point being the renovation policy in 1986. For the first time in many years, people could freely do business, open factories, and trade goods.

Ho Chi Minh City returned to its true rhythm. This was also a period that marked the economic boom and urbanization. The first bridges were built, new urban areas began to take shape, and large commercial centers appeared.

Phase 3: 2000 - 2025 Integration period , including 16 volumes marking the strong transformation of the city in the 21st century. Ho Chi Minh City is not only the economic center of Vietnam but also oriented towards the world.

Skyscrapers are rising, highways are being extended, and high-tech zones are being established. Ho Chi Minh City has transformed from a traditional business city into a creative city, a new financial and technological center of the region.

The 37-episode series will air at 7:35 a.m. on HTV9 from March 25 to April 30 and at 8 p.m. daily on HTV and TFS digital platforms.

HAI DUY