Film Week Commemorating War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day Kicks Off Nationwide

A film week commemorating the 79th anniversary of Vietnam's War Invalids and Martyrs’ Day has kicked off nationwide. According to Do Quoc Viet, Deputy Director of the Vietnam Cinema Department, this year's event marks a new step in state management of cinematography, as the entire nationwide cinema system is participating for the first time on a non-profit basis for screenings serving political tasks and commemorative activities. The film week is positioned as part of the cultural and public relations activities under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, extending beyond mere commemoration. In Vietnam's one-party system, films have long been utilized as a crucial tool to foster patriotism and enhance loyalty to the Party. Works depicting war history and heroic tales are particularly expected to strengthen national solidarity and boost morale for achieving current national goals. In recent years, Vietnam has achieved remarkable economic growth. However, alongside this economic progress, maintaining domestic unity and building a unified national image remain significant challenges for the Communist Party of Vietnam, given the accompanying social issues and evolving international relations. The integration of national consciousness through such commemorative events can be seen as fundamental to Vietnam's social stability and development strategy. While Vietnam has engaged in cultural outreach on the international stage, including past Vietnamese Film Weeks in Paris, this nationwide film week is understood to aim at deeper penetration among the general public within the country. This can be interpreted as an effort to solidify the nation's social foundations while simultaneously enhancing its influence in the international arena. Information Source: VietnamPlus English