This is the second time a film on conscripted Vietnamese workers has been shown at the French Parliament. The first one was a film on Vietnamese farmers in Carmague of southern France by director Alain Lewkowicz.
Besides the Parliament, the film Forgotten history was screened in various cities of France including Nancy, Thaon-Les-Vosges and Metz from January 16 to 20, with the aim of raising awareness of French people about the plight of 20,000 workers from Indochina, mostly Vietnamese, who were forced to go to France before the World War II to work in weapon workshops, mines and fields. The film is scheduled to be screened on France 3 channel on January 23.
The film was based on a book of French scholar-journalist Pierre Daum, along with historical documents from many sources, including the archives of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Development.
Addressing the event, President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group Pascal Deguilhem said after various ups and downs of history, the two nations treasure their present friendly and cooperative ties. Both nations have the responsibility to further promote their close relations, he said.
