HÀ NỘI — Cinema lovers can enjoy a wide range of films representing different cinema industries of the world as the Hà Nội International Film Festival 2018 (HANIFF) kicks off tonight.

The opening ceremony will take place at the Hà Nội Cultural Friendship Palace with participation of Vietnamese and international filmmakers, actors and actresses.

The event includes Jukka Pekka Laakso (director of Tampere Film Festival, Finland), Raymond Red (director from the Philippines), Lee Choong-jik (director of Jeonju International Film Festival, Korea) and Tsengel Davaasambuu (producer and distributor from Mongolia).

HANIFF also received famous Australian actor David Wenham, who is known for his role in The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

With the theme "Cinema – Integration and Sustainable Development," the festival aims to honour outstanding cinematographic works with high artistic and humanistic values and creativity while encouraging new movie talents.

“HANIFF has become a prestigious brand among film festivals,” said Nguyễn Ngọc Thiện, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

“It has gradually marked its position by praising outstanding cinematographic works.”

“The festival has created opportunities for new cinematic talents to be discovered and nurtured. It has honoured national and international artists. This is a chance to promote images of the country, people and culture of Việt Nam to the world.”

With 500 films from 50 countries and territories, the event promotes the spirit of co-operation and friendship between filmmakers and introduces outstanding works from world cinema.

“The festival showcases a great feast of images, sounds and colours, enabling the audience to understand the culture and distinctive features of daily life, culture and history of each country.”

Laakso will serve as a judge for the Short Films category. He is happy to attend HANIFF and acknowledged the development of Vietnamese film industry.

“Cinema is one of the most important art forms,” he said. “Through cinema, we can communicate and understand each other better.”

“Through the films, we also enhance knowledge of different cultures.”

In the framework of HANIFF, seminars featuring filmmakers from Poland and Iran will teach local artists, managers and the public more about world cinema.

A script-writing camp, film project market and free screenings and exchanges will also be held. The festival is expected to attract nearly 1,200 delegates, including 200 foreigners. The opening and closing ceremonies will be broadcast live on VTV1 and VTV2.

HANIFF Talent Campus gathers Vietnamese and international young talents under the guidance of top-ranking cinema experts from the US, Germany and the UK.

“The campus has discovered and encouraged young filmmakers,” said Ngô Phương Lan, chairwoman of the Cinema Department. “The Film Project Market creates a space for young filmmakers to show their projects to producers and investors, turning their dreams into future films.”

Lan said the audience and filmmakers look forward to HANIFF thanks to the high quality of films. This year, audiences will enjoy winners from the Cannes International Film Festival, the Oscars and Berlin Film Festival.

The development of contemporary Vietnamese cinema will be displayed through 50 films including feature films, short films, documentaries and animated films.

Free tickets can be collected at CGV, August, Kim Đồng cinemas and the National Cinema Centre. — VNS