The Defense Intelligence Service plays a vital role in collecting information, assessing situations and making forecasts, and advising the leadership of the Party, the State, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defense, as well as other ministries and local authorities, making strategy formulation and responses to national security challenges, ensuring the nation is never caught off guard.
Over the past eight decades, generations of defense intelligence officers have faithfully followed President Ho Chi Minh’s teachings in his letters to intelligence cadres, and the directives of the Party Central Committee, the Politburo, and the Ministry of National Defense. Through their unwavering commitment, intelligence officers have built and developed the force in all aspects, remaining absolutely loyal to the Party, the Fatherland, and the people, and overcoming all hardships with courage, ingenuity, and dedication. They have fulfilled every mission, making a huge contribution to national liberation, construction, and defense, forging the proud tradition of Vietnam’s Defense Intelligence: “Bravery and resilience, independence and creativity, secrecy and ingenuity, solidarity and determination to win”.
The documentary will feature many intelligence officers who made remarkable contributions over the past 80 years will be featured in this documentary, honoring their silent yet heroic service to the nation.
Documentary VTV Special, produced by the VTV Feature and Educational Programs Department, retraces the arduous yet glorious journey of Vietnam’s Defense Intelligence, paying tribute to the tireless dedication and noble sacrifices of its officers and soldiers through the generations. It reaffirms the enduring truth that intelligence work, in any era, is an indispensable part of the cause of national construction and defense. The documentary features prominent historians, experts, and living witnesses who breathe life into history.
The documentary also features the participation of many distinguished historians.
One of the film’s most important achievements lies in its reconstruction of historical events and real-life scenes.
According to Director Trinh Quang Bach from VTV’s Feature and Educational Programs Department, the biggest challenge in producing this documentary was accessing original documents, classified files, and living witnesses, due to the highly confidential nature of intelligence work. “Throughout the production process, our team worked closely with the General Department II of the Ministry of National Defense. Verifying each piece of information required immense patience, sensitivity, and responsibility, since even the slightest inaccuracy could distort the film’s message”, shared Director Trinh Quang Bach.
For 80 years of quiet heroism, Vietnam’s Defense Intelligence has played a crucial role in every national victory, from the struggle for independence to safeguarding peace today. That mission continues, remaining steadfast in the face of new challenges and embodying the spirit of an independent and resilient Vietnam.
Director Trinh Quang Bach emphasized that the production team aims to use this documentary to convey to audiences, especially younger generations, a deeper understanding of the vital yet often unseen role of defense intelligence officers in protecting the nation. These officers face danger and o usually sacrifice their identities and personal lives for the revolutionary cause.
“The film portrays absolute loyalty, courage, and sharp intellect, reminding us that today’s peace is built upon countless unnamed sacrifices”, said Director Bach, adding that “We hope viewers will receive this documentary as a heartfelt tribute to generations of defense intelligence officers who quietly served their country, while also gaining a new perspective on their indispensable contributions to Vietnam’s history”.
The VTV Special documentary Vietnam’s Defense Intelligence - The Epic of 80 Glorious Years will be broadcast at 8:10 PM on October 15 on VTV1. Stay tuned to honor the silent heroes of Vietnam’s defense intelligence.
