Vietnamese culture adds colour to Maintenon/Pierres Japan Festival

Vietnamese culture added a splash of vibrant color to the Maintenon/Pierres Japan Festival in France, capturing the attention of attendees. This event served as a crucial opportunity to bring Vietnamese cultural identity closer to international audiences, overcoming the challenges of teaching traditional dance and songs to children growing up overseas. Overseas Vietnamese artists are playing an increasingly important role in promoting Vietnam's cultural soft power and harnessing the resources of the expatriate community, aligning with Vietnam's government focus. The organizers emphasized their message to the public and international friends: heritage is not a collection of artifacts or values frozen in the past, but a living flow that continues to evolve, adapt, and be enriched by each generation. The event highlighted the role of contestants as "beauty ambassadors" and "authentic storytellers" who can naturally share Vietnam's landscapes, culture, and people with audiences worldwide. Vietnamese films were also screened, presented alongside works from various European countries with diverse themes and forms of expression. This demonstrates Vietnam's efforts to deepen cultural exchanges and enhance its presence on the international stage. Furthermore, Hoi An lantern making, a traditional Vietnamese craft with over 400 years of history, was showcased. This craft uses saltwater-treated bamboo frames to prevent termite damage, covered with delicate silk, emitting a soft, warm glow that reflects the charm of Vietnam's cultural heritage. This event signifies Vietnam's proactive approach to promoting its cultural heritage internationally and leveraging it as soft power. This can be seen as part of the country's strategy, under its one-party system, to enhance its national image and expand its international influence through culture. Source: VietnamPlus English