'Dao, Pho and Piano' shines at 3rd ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong
WVR - The Vietnamese film Dao, Pho and Piano (Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano) by Director Phi Tien Son makes a strong impression on international audiences at the 3rd ASEAN Film Festival, taking place in Hong Kong (China) from August 7 to 31, 2025.
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| Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong Le Duc Hanh speaks at the opening ceremony. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong) |
On August 15, 2025, in Kowloon, Hong Kong, the Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong held a screening of the film Dao, Pho and Piano as part of the ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong.
The state-funded war film portrays a young couple’s journey to reunite on February 17, 1947, the last day of the 60-day Battle of Hanoi. The battle signaled the start of the First Indochina War.
The film was produced by the Film No. 1 Joint Stock Company at a cost of over 815,000 USD. It won the Silver Lotus Award at the 23rd Vietnam Film Festival held in Lam Dong province in November 2023; and was selected as an official nomination to compete in the best international feature film category at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscar) in 2024.
CEO of Hong Kong - ASEAN Foundation Charles Chia said that cinema in general, and the Hong Kong–ASEAN Film Festival in particular, serves as bridges connecting people and cultures at a time when the world faces many factors that divide nations. He showed his hope that more outstanding Vietnamese films will be showcased at the ASEAN Film Festival in the coming years.
Regarding the Vietnamese film, he said that he was deeply impressed by its artistic title, noting that the film successfully portrays an important period in Vietnam’s history and helps Hong Kong audiences gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese society and culture.
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| The audience at the screening of the Vietnamese film “Dao, Pho and Piano” (Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano) at the 3rd ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong (China). (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong) |
In her opening remarks at the screening, Consul General of Vietnam in Hong Kong Le Duc Hanh highlighted the significance of the film, saying that this year Vietnam is participating in the ASEAN Film Festival with a special spirit - celebrating the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution (August 19) and National Day (September 2, 1945), as well as the 30th anniversary of Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN (July 28, 1995).
Ms. Le Duc Hanh noted that the story of Dao, Pho and Piano takes place in early 1947, more than a year after Vietnam declared independence on September 2, 1945. At that time, the young Democratic Republic of Vietnam had just emerged from a famine that claimed nearly one million lives, with 95% of the population illiterate and an army of only a few hundred men equipped with rudimentary weapons. Yet, the Vietnamese people were determined to enter into an unequal struggle against French colonialists.
Through its characters—including the engaged young couple, a priest, a middle-class intellectual, and a pho-selling couple—along with carefully crafted cinematography and attention to detail, the film recreates a vivid portrait of Hanoians of the era, who, despite their different backgrounds and occupations, shared a profound desire for peace, independence, and a strong sense of national identity.
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| Representatives from some other Consulate Generals in Hong Kong at the event. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong) |
Consul General Hanh recalled that Vietnam’s accession to ASEAN marked a historic strategic decision, opening a new chapter in the country’s integration process and paving the way for its strong development. Over three decades, Vietnam’s journey has been a vivid testament to the vision and political determination of the Vietnamese Party and State in fostering and consolidating a peaceful and cooperative environment for development.
Vietnam joined ASEAN with a spirit of friendship and a strong sense of responsibility, the diplomat stressed, noting that Vietnam will continue working with other member states to create new success stories for ASEAN in this new era of development.
Jointly organised by the Hong Kong–ASEAN Foundation in collaboration with Consulates General of ASEAN countries, the festival offers Hong Kong audiences a chance to learn about society and explore the vibrant cultural heritage of ASEAN countries, contributing to fostering friendship between China and ASEAN.
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| 'Dao, Pho and Piano' shines at 3rd ASEAN Film Festival in Hong Kong: Consul General Le Duc Hanh and other Hong Kong friends at the event. (Photo: Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong) |
Featuring 24 films from 10 ASEAN member states and four countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative, the festival has built cultural bridges through moving films that touch the hearts of viewers.
The Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong Le Duc Han added that at this year’s ASEAN Film Festival, for the first time participating, Hungary chose to present a Vietnam–Hungary co-production, Our Blossom, which tells the love story between a Vietnamese woman and a Hungarian man. According to the Consulate General of Hungary, the film “reflects the power of cultural exchange.”
In addition to film screenings, the festival also features more than 10 seminars where directors and producers will engage with audiences and exchange expertise with Hong Kong filmmakers.
(Source: Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong)
