Cinematography 2001, optimistic sign
This year, the Vietnamese cinematography has turned into a new period, the period of success,
although last year it was busy with the consolidation and improvement work.
First of all, Vietnam’s regional and international big prizes in 2001 have helped raise the position of
the Vietnamese cinematography to a new height. The documentaries of Vietnam have made a
great impression, deserving the highest awards at Asia-Pacific Film Festivals. They include ‘Return
to Ngu Thuy’ directed by Le Manh Thich, ‘The Sound of the Violin in My Lai’ directed by Tran
Van Thuy, ‘Ms Nam’ directed by Lai Van Sinh and ‘Countryside’ directed by Nguyen Si Chung.
In addition, the ‘Where the War has Passed’ documentary directed by Vu Le My won two first
prizes at environment film festivals, one in Germany and another in Tokyo. The ‘For the Peaceful
Life’ documentary also by Vu Le My was awarded the first prize in the Brazilian film festival.
The feature films, after the success of ‘Sand Life’ at the 45th Asia-Pacific film festival in Vietnam,
have been highly valued, say, ‘Guava Season’ by Dang Nhat Minh, ‘Widows’ Wharf’ by Luu
Trong Ninh, ‘Golden Key’ by Le Hoang, ‘Go Down Southwards, Go Up Northwards’ by Phi
Tien Son and ‘Deserted Valley’ by Nhue Giang.
The cartoons have also blossomed with high quality, including ‘The Red Umbrella’ and ‘Bicycle’
by Phuong Hoa, ‘The Call of the Sky’ by Minh Tri, ‘The Story of the House on Stilt’ by Ha Bac,
and ‘The Story of Mid-Autumn Festival Lamp Procession’ by Nhan Lap.
Along with prizes awarded to films, actors and actresses have also received many prizes. Mai
Hoa, Hong Anh and Lan Huong won the best actress and the best supporting actress awards at
international film festivals.
Particularly, nearly 80 prizes were awarded to films and individuals at the recent 13th Vietnam
Film Festival. After unsuccessful years, the cinematography has re-found the atmosphere of art
enjoying and the love of the public, the vital factor of the cinematography art.
Film makers have focused not only on the theme of the war and post-war but also on
contemporary issues. Typical are ‘Deserted Valley,’ ‘Rocky Plateau’ and ‘Countryside.’ The film
makers have reflected innermost feelings and aspirations of ordinary people in simple ways.
The success of the cinematography in 2001 results from better care of the State and big
investment of the sector, for example, the completion of the modern cinema house system and
favourable conditions for film distribution and propaganda, which has a great positive effect on the
psychology of film viewers. The number of audiences to see homemade films has set a record;
many cinema houses were frequently fully booked.
The new year is coming, it is hopeful that the cinematography sector will take a bold step to
continue its renovation and creation for another successful season of better films.
By Phan Thanh Phong - Nhân Dân - December 31, 2001.
|