Italian Film Week opens in Ho Chi Minh City, bringing 6 stories to Vietnamese audiences

Organized by the Consulate General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, the event runs from November 2 to 7 at Galaxy Cinema Nguyen Du, presenting a curated selection of six Italian films chosen by the Organizing Committee of the Asian Film Festival.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Alessandra Tognonato, Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City, highlighted the importance of cinema in bringing people and cultures closer together.

"Cinema is much more than entertainment. It is a powerful way to understand another country's culture, history, values and everyday life.

"Through these six films, we hope Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to discover contemporary Italy from different perspectives and feel closer to our people and our culture," she said.

The six-film program reflects the diversity of contemporary Italian cinema, with stories exploring human relationships, social realities, personal journeys and different dimensions of everyday life.

All screenings are presented in their original Italian language, with English and Vietnamese subtitles, allowing audiences to experience the authenticity of Italian cinema while making the films accessible to local viewers.

Cinema as a bridge between Italy and Vietnam 

Beyond its artistic value, Italian Film Week is also expected to strengthen cultural exchange and deepen connections between Italy and Vietnam.

Salvatore Banco, acting vice-chairman of the Italian Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam, described the event as an important opportunity to introduce Italian culture to Vietnamese audiences and promote the broader Italian business and cultural presence in the country.

"I feel that this event is a perfect opportunity to share Italian culture with Vietnamese people. Italy and Vietnam share similar values, and movies are a perfect tool to exchange similar perspectives," he said. 

 He also emphasized the importance of bringing together Italian institutions, authorities and the business community to promote Italy's broader presence in Vietnam.

"Tonight I am here to promote the Italian system, together with the Italian authorities and community," Banco said.

Looking ahead, he expressed confidence that continued cooperation would help Italian cinema reach a wider audience in Vietnam.

"I think Italian movies are going to be more diffused in Vietnam, thanks to the ongoing cooperation which aims to grow over the future years," he added.

His remarks underline a broader vision of cultural diplomacy, in which cinema is not simply an artistic product but also a channel for dialogue, mutual understanding and stronger people-to-people connections.