Hanoi Documentary Week on VTVGo: A Gift for Hanoi Lovers

In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the Capital's Liberation (October 10, 1954 - October 10, 2024), Vietnam Television has decided to hold the Hanoi Documentary Week on the VTVGo digital platform, offering viewers a unique experience. The event is implemented by the Center for Digital Content Production and Development, the Editorial Secretariat, and the Documentary Film Center.

VTV News spoke with Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lam, Deputy Director of the Documentary Film Center, and journalist Thanh Vu to learn more about this event.

Why did you choose this time   and the digital platform for the Hanoi Documentary Week?

Journalist Thanh Vu: This idea came from the Deputy General Director of Vietnam Television, Do Thanh Hai. This year is special because we are celebrating  the 70th anniversary of the liberation of the capital. Combined  with the rich resources available in our documentary film archive, we decided to organize a week-long Hanoi documentary screening on VTVGo.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lam, Deputy Director of the Documentary Film Center: The week will  feature 20 documentaries about Hanoi, many of which are long, multi-episode works. Broadcasting these films on VTV is challenging in terms of scheduling. 

We also had success with the "Vietnam Film Week" on VTVGo,  which has given us a solid foundation of experience for this event. Furthermore,   VTVGo   allowsviewers can explore the entire film archive and select any film they wish to watch, making access more efficient without being tied to a broadcast schedule or specific channel.

How is the preparation for the Hanoi Documentary Week going?

Journalist Thanh Vu: Besides broadcasting films on the digital platform, we are creating a diverse and engaging event to bring audiences closer to documentaries. The week will start with online screenings, followed by three days of live screenings from October 4 to October 6 at Studio S7.

During the live screenings, viewers will enjoy Hanoi-themed performances, watch films, and interact with filmmakers, production teams, and characters featured in the documentaries.

Journalist Thanh Vu

Is this the first documentary week organized by Vietnam Television on a digital platform?

Journalist Thanh Vu: Yes, this is the first for documentaries. In 2020, we held the "Vietnam Film Week" on VTVGo. However, at that time, it was purely an online screening without any offline events for the audience as we have now.

This new content distribution model differs from VTV's traditional methods. We are reviving the existing archive of VTV and the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, giving it a new life through digital platforms and live screenings. It offers a multi-dimensional perspective on Hanoi's culture and history.

Which notable films will be featured, and which ones will be screened during the three offline days?

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lam: Viewers can watch classics such as Hanoi in Whose Eyes, When the Mist Clears, Hanoi Night, Hanoi Old Quarter, and many others covering various topics like history, archaeology, and temples in Hanoi. The week also includes investigative films by the Hanoi police from different historical periods.

The three films scheduled for offline screenings from October 4 to October 6 are Hanoi in Whose Eyes, The Soul of Hanoi, and Dr. Tran Duy Hung – A Hanoi Persona.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lam - Deputy Director of the Documentary Film Center, Vietnam Television (VTV)

What criteria were used to select  the films for this week?

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lam: While there are many films about Hanoi, there aren’t that many documentaries. Each documentary work has concise and comprehensive qualities, so we did not set specific selection criteria other than choosing representative documentaries.

Who is the target audience for the Hanoi Documentary Week?

Journalist Thanh Vu: We aim to reach people who love Hanoi and its culture. We also focus on the younger generation, who are highly active on digital platforms. Additionally, we  want to connect with Vietnamese people living abroad, especially those from Hanoi, who can watch these films online on VTVGo.

20 documentary films will be screened on VTVGo during the Hanoi Documentary Week.

How do you plan to attract younger audiences to documentaries, which are often challenging to engage with?

Journalist Thanh Vu: One way is through social media promotion, which is crucial. We also decided to host offline screenings so that  young audiences can  immerse themselves in a cinema-like environment and enjoy the films.

The screenings include many interactive activities to make the experience with documentaries more lively and engaging.

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Lam: Young audiences are indeed increasingly interested in documentaries, which is a positive sign. Despite their historical content, these Hanoi films can be approached from a new perspective. Young people today have their interpretations of Hanoi's past, shaped not just by stories but also by their own experiences.

Hanoi Documentary Week will be held from October 4 to October 10, 2024. All films will be available on the VTVGo digital platform until 2024. Additionally, offline screenings will be held from October 4 to October 6, featuring various engaging activities.

The event is supported by the main sponsor, Suntory PepsiCo Vietnam, and co-sponsor, Traphaco.