A happy Vietnam through the lens of foreigners

Many foreigners have submitted photos and videos of happy moments in Vietnam to a contest, showcasing their different perspectives of a 'happy Vietnam.'

The submissions by foreign photographers to the Happy Vietnam photo and video contest seem no different from photos taken by Vietnamese people at the first glance, but a closer look tells a different story, head of the Authority of Foreign Information Service under the Ministry of Information and Communications Pham Anh Tuan told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Thursday.

The ministry and the Vietnam Association of Photographic Artists held a meeting to announce the schedule of the opening of an exhibition of the submissions and prizes for the Happy Vietnam 2024 contest, slated for December 11 at the Hanoi Opera House.

According to Tuan, 'happiness' to foreigners in Vietnam is different from the local perspective.

Foreign photographers often take photos of the simple beauty in villages, rural areas and new urban areas, or the ancient beauty of both rural and urban areas.

They seem to focus on showing true stories and emotions that reflect the lives of Vietnamese people.

Nearly 600 foreigners submitted entries to the contest. Their artworks shared similar simple moments of the happiness of Vietnamese people or the friendly smiles of locals, Tuan explained.

The contest organizer stated that the event aimed to provide an opportunity for Vietnamese citizens, including those abroad, and international friends to express their love for Vietnam through photos and videos.

Over seven months, the contest attracted 9,657 photos and 670 videos from 8,863 participants.

The organizer chose 60 outstanding videos and 150 photos for the exhibition, with 34 receiving prizes, including two foreigners.

One of these foreigners is the Philippine ambassador to Vietnam, Tuan revealed.

The total prize value for the winning photos and videos amounts to nearly VND400 million (US$15,787) spread across two golds, four silvers, six bronzes, and 20 consolation prizes.

Chosen photos and videos will be displayed at domestic and international exhibitions in 2025.

According to the organizer, each photo or video features an interesting story, an impressive moment, or a meaningful message about the love and pride of the country, as well as aspirations for a thriving and happy life in Vietnam.

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