Honoring Sacred Memories from the “Hell on Earth” in Con Dao
Half a century after liberation, Con Dao remains a powerful symbol of patriotism, sacrifice, and unwavering faith in the future. Every road and stone wall on this island preserves the memory of a time once known as “hell on earth”, where the blood and bones of countless Vietnamese patriots became the immortal lifeblood of the nation. The program “Con Dao – The Epic of Vietnamese Willpower” took place at Hang Duong Cemetery, Con Dao District, Ba Ria – Vung Tau Province, as a tribute to those who fell and became eternal symbols of love for the homeland, indomitable spirit, and the yearning for freedom.
The program is structured in three chapters: Chapter 1: Tragic Yet Heroic Sacred Land, Chapter 2: Spirit in Captivity, Chapter 3: Bright Future Aspirations.
One of the most touching images to be featured in the program.
Chapter 1 takes the audience on a journey back in time through images of prisons, tiger cages, and solitary cells — places that testify to the pain and the radiant spirit of resistance. The heroine Vo Thi Sau — a shining symbol of Con Dao — is emotionally portrayed as a reminder of Vietnamese courage in the face of the enemy’s guns.
The documentary segment reenacts the history and indomitable spirit of political prisoners in Con Dao.
Chapter 2 delves deeper into the stories of political prisoners in Con Dao. In the darkness of captivity, they held on to firm to their faith, turning prison into school, comrades into family, and a simple bowl of rice into a symbol of unity. The audience will feel the spiritual strength that overcame all physical limitations.
The documentary crew is rushing to complete the final scenes of filming.
The final chapter, “Bright Future Aspirations”, presents a modern image of Con Dao — a “Green Pearl” of the East Sea. Once soaked in blood, the land is now emerging as a leading destination for ecological, historical, cultural, and spiritual tourism. The desire for peace, freedom, and development cstill runs deep in the Vietnamese soul.
A tribute from the present to the future
The program conveys its message not only through archival footage but also through theatrical and musical artistry, with sophisticated, epic-style staging. Traditional and contemporary elements are blended to take viewers on a journey of pride and remembrance.
Renowned artists such as Duong Hoang Yen and Trung Quan Idol will take part in performances including “Con Dao – Fire of Vietnam”, “Ode to President Ho Chi Minh”, “Flying Across the East Sea”, and “Greetings to Freedom”, vividly portraying a nation that never surrenders.
Duong Hoang Yen is one of the singers performing in the program.
Dong Hung will also perform in the program Con Dao – The Epic of Vietnamese Willpower.
Journalist Duc Hoa, Deputy Head of the Arts Department at Vietnam Television and representative of the production unit, said: “We aim not only to revive historical memory but also to send a powerful message: Con Dao is not just a thing of the past. It is a living symbol of patriotism and unyielding will — an enduring inspiration for today’s generation to build a lasting and prosperous Vietnam”.
“Con Dao – The Epic of Vietnamese Willpower” is a national anthem of resilience — a reminder of the sacred sacrifices made so that every Vietnamese can walk proudly in freedom today.
The program aired live at 8:10 PM on May 3, 2025, on VTV1 and VTV8 – Vietnam Television.
