Thanh and Quang, along with other artisans, are featured in the program "Dep +84," a collaboration between Kinh Do and VTV. The two-part program, airing on 18/9 and 19/9, explores the beauty of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival and honors those who have preserved its traditions through generations. The journey is guided by MC Duc Bao and guests including MC Hanh Phuc, actor Trung Ruoi's family, and musician Duong Khac Linh's family.
In the first episode, musician Duong Khac Linh's family visits the Phu Binh lantern village in Ho Chi Minh City, a renowned craft hub since 1950. Originating from the Bac Co and Bao Dap villages in Nam Dinh, artisans migrated south, passing down their skills through generations and establishing a unique tradition in the southern city. There, they meet Nguyen Van Thanh, a longtime artisan crafting traditional Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns.
He explains the four stages of lantern making: frame creation, paper application, painting, and decoration. The handmade lanterns of Phu Binh are known for their intricate decorations.
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Musician Duong Khac Linh's family visits a lantern artisan in Phu Binh village. Screenshot |
Musician Duong Khac Linh's family visits a lantern artisan in Phu Binh village. Screenshot
"Dep +84" also introduces viewers to Pham Van Quang, residing at 59 Hang Quat Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi. Quang is among the few remaining artisans who craft traditional wooden mooncake molds. These molds, imbued with history, contribute to the beauty of the Mid-Autumn Festival feast.
Along with meeting the artisans, the artists experience parts of the meticulous lantern and mold-making processes, offering viewers deeper insight into the values of the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival.
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Actor Trung Ruoi and his daughter with artisan Pham Van Quang. Screenshot |
Actor Trung Ruoi and his daughter with artisan Pham Van Quang. Screenshot
The program bridges tradition and modernity, showcasing young people who are creatively continuing the legacy of the Mid-Autumn Festival. For example, the Khoi Dang Tac Khi group in Ho Chi Minh City revitalizes traditional Mid-Autumn toys. Driven by passion and a desire to preserve Vietnamese culture, they spend hours researching rare materials, meticulously shaping and painting to restore these toys. For the younger generation, the Mid-Autumn Festival represents cherished memories and endless inspiration for creativity and cultural preservation.
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Khoi Dang Tac Khi discusses traditional Mid-Autumn lanterns with musician Duong Khac Linh's family. Screenshot |
Khoi Dang Tac Khi discusses traditional Mid-Autumn lanterns with musician Duong Khac Linh's family. Screenshot
A highlight of the program is the presentation of "Mid-Autumn Festival Ambassador" badges to the artisans. This gesture acknowledges and honors those who preserve traditional culture, ensuring the Mid-Autumn Festival remains vibrant in childhood memories.
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Musician Duong Khac Linh's family presents the "Mid-Autumn Festival Ambassador" badge to artisan Nguyen Van Thanh. Screenshot |
Musician Duong Khac Linh's family presents the "Mid-Autumn Festival Ambassador" badge to artisan Nguyen Van Thanh. Screenshot
According to Kinh Do, the Mid-Autumn Festival is a tapestry of vibrant elements. Behind the star lanterns and mooncakes lies the passion and dedication of artisans like Thanh and Quang. For 27 years, the brand has promoted the festival's beauty through unique products and meaningful programs. This year, through the program, the brand aims to convey that anyone can be a "Mid-Autumn Festival Ambassador" in their own way. "By valuing and sharing these beautiful traditions, we can help preserve the magic of the full moon night," a brand representative shared.
Kim Anh