On the evening of June 13th, the People's Committee of Son La province, in collaboration with the Embassy of the Republic of India in Vietnam, organized the opening ceremony of the Indian Film Festival.

Dr. Monica Sharma, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India in Vietnam, delivered a speech.
The Indian Film Festival, taking place in Son La province from June 13th to 15th, will screen four renowned Indian films free of charge: "The Roar of Freedom," "Live Only Once," "English, My Voice," and "The Female Wrestler." These captivating films, recognized globally, boast profound content, recreating Indian history in 1920, portraying friendship, self-discovery, self-respect, the value of living life to the fullest, and addressing issues of empowerment, breaking social stereotypes, and gender equality. Each film has Vietnamese and English subtitles, representing the distinctive nuances of Indian cinema, suitable for various age groups, and promising a rich cinematic experience for audiences in Son La.

A view of the film screening at the Son La Provincial Film and Culture Center.
Dr. Monica Sharma, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India in Vietnam, shared: "For centuries, Vietnam and India have had deep cultural ties through Buddhism, yoga, cinema, dance, and music. The Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, a cultural unit under the Embassy of India in Hanoi, is constantly striving to strengthen the bonds and friendship between the two countries through cultural exchange activities. Indian cinema has a history of over 100 years and enjoys widespread support and affection from audiences around the world. For the film festival in Son La province, the centre has selected excellent films, but also hopes to receive feedback from the audience in Son La. This will help us select more suitable films for future screenings." The center also hopes to establish a long-term partnership with Son La province in future activities, including bringing Son La province's art and music troupes to visit India.

Dr. Monica Sharma, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, Embassy of India in Vietnam, presented gifts to the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province and the Provincial Film and Culture Center.
According to Hoang Ngan Hoan, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Son La province: "This event not only honors the artistic value of cinema but also contributes to strengthening friendly relations and enhancing cultural exchange between the people of Son La province in particular and between Vietnam and India in general. In addition, the department hopes to introduce the image of a dynamic Son La, rich in cultural identity, friendly and hospitable, to the people of India. The event is also hoped to open the door to cooperation between cinema and tourism, a promising direction that will bring long-term benefits."