Directed by Lan Nguyen, "Chan Troi Ruc Ro" draws inspiration from Ha Anh Tuan's concert of the same name, which took place in 2/2023. The film follows the singer as he returns to his hometown of Ninh Binh to collaborate with young artists preserving the fading tradition of "hat xam" (blind busker's music). The film also follows Tuan to the set of the TV program "Nhu Chua He Co Cuoc Chia Ly" (As if there were no separation), where he witnesses reunions after decades of separation. Through these experiences, the film explores the meaning of one's roots.
Filming locations included various Ninh Binh landmarks: the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, Van Long lagoon, Ma Yen mountain, Tam Coc, the ancient Bai Dinh pagoda, Cuc Phuong National Park, and a primary school in Yen Phong commune.
The film's music, composed by Vo Thien Thanh and Japanese composer Kitaro, along with traditional "hat xam" melodies, plays a crucial role in conveying the theme of heritage. In 3/2024, Ha Anh Tuan released the "Chan Troi Ruc Ro" album, featuring 13 songs performed at the concert, orchestrated by Kitaro and Vo Thien Thanh.
Ha Anh Tuan, 44, rose to fame as a top 3 finalist in the 2006 Sao Mai Diem Hen singing competition. His albums "Saigon Radio" (2008), "Cocktail" (2010), and "Street Rhythm" (2015) were nominated for the Cong Hien award. In late 2016, he launched the "See Sing Share" music project, releasing 10 episodes on YouTube. This project led to a series of successful live shows in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2023, including "Fragile," "Sweet Memories," "Romance - Nguoi Dan Ong & Bong Hoa Tren Nguc Trai," "Truyen Ngan," and "Veston." Beyond music, Tuan is also involved in various community activities.
Director Lan Nguyen, 35, is known for the musical documentary "Mau Co Ua" (Faded Grass) (2020), which portrays the life of musician Tran Tien. In 2023, she released "Nhung Vet Thuong Lanh" (Healed Wounds), inspired by Ha Anh Tuan's live show. In the film, Tuan acts as a guide, connecting viewers to his own "wounds" and those of four other individuals: social activist Nguyen Thi Van, musician Ngoc Le, conservationist Nguyen Van Thai, and director-doctor-war correspondent Nguyen Thi Xuan Phuong.
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Ha Anh Tuan and musician Kitaro (right). Photo: Viet Vision. |
The 2025 European-Vietnamese Film Festival features 11 Vietnamese films, including four independent projects. In addition to "Chan Troi Ruc Ro," these include "Gio Mua Ve" (The Monsoon Returns) (Le Thi Tham), "Toan Oi" (Nguyen Ho Bao Nghi), and "Thu Gui Me" (Letter to Mother) (Ha Le Diem).
The festival also showcases seven documentaries from seven countries: Italy, Israel, the UK, Sweden, Wallonie-Bruxelle, Austria, and Spain. Among them, "The Most Beautiful Boy in the World" by directors Kristina Lindstrom and Kristian Petri (Sweden) will have its Vietnamese premiere. The film has won numerous awards, including Best European TV Documentary of the Year at the 2022 Europa Awards and Best Film at the 2021 Balkan International Film Festival.
The European-Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival, an annual event organized by EUNIC (European Union National Institutes for Culture) in collaboration with the Central Scientific Documentary Film Studio, runs from 7 PM on 12/8 to 18/8. This year's event offers diverse perspectives on the life, culture, and society of different countries and promotes cultural exchange.
Phuong Linh
