 |
| Foreign tourists cycling in Hoi An ancient city (Photo: TTO) |
The nation came in at 17th in the global list and is often described as a land full of diverse cultures and warm hospitality. Planning to visit the country in August is therefore guaranteed to be full of experiences, according to the UK media outlet.
August is the time of year when summer has reached its peak, with travelers able to enjoy the warm weather while exploring the bustling streets and other attractions. The country is also blessed with an abundance of natural beauty, it wrote.
Be it the stunning lush green mountains or the waterfalls, people are never short of adventure and awe-dropping places to visit throughout the country, the British website suggested.
Topping the list is Singapore where tourists can enjoy blooming flowers and freshness, but also the fauna in the forested areas. Indeed, it represents an undeniable fact that Singapore is the epitome of beauty whilst being a must-visit destination during August, Affordable Luxury Travel noted.
Others destinations to make the list include Iceland, Masai Mara in Kenya, Bali, Spain, the Greek Islands, Italy, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Colorado in the United States, Turkey, and Canada.
Documentary about Vietnam screened at UK international arts festival
“Once upon a bridge in Vietnam” by French director François Bibonne has been introduced at the Ruthin International Arts Festival (RIAF) 2024 in Wales, impressing British and international audience alike, reported Vietnam News Agency.
 |
| French-Vietnamese director François Bibonne (left) meets a native woman in the northern mountainous province of Ha Giang when making the movie "Once upon a bridge in Vietnam”. (Photo: François Bibonne's Facebook) |
Taking place from June 28 to July 28 in the historical town of Ruthin, RIAF 2024 features artists, poets, directors, and creators from more than 40 countries and regions around the world, with art forms ranging from contemporary performances, installations, sounds, films, theatre, to poetry, writings and social engagement.
Themed “Elsewhere”, the festival seeks to explore the fertile intersection of cultural diversity and human connection - creating spaces where international creativity can flourish within the local and cultural soils of Ruthin. More than 50 artists present live performances, poetry readings, sharing sessions, workshops, and community practices during the event.
According to François Bibonne, the screening of “Once upon a bridge in Vietnam” at the festival was recommended by Goldsmiths, University of London, through the Confucius Institute, after the documentary was screened at Goldsmiths in 2023. Before making its debut in the UK, the film was shown at such prestigious institutions as Columbia University and Harvard University. It won the award for Best Short Documentary Film at Los Angeles Film Awards 2022.
Bibonne said he felt lucky to have the film introduced at this international arts festival, creating a chance for him to work with many artists and connect with British and international audience while promoting Vietnam and its cultural identity to the world through music- a bridge, which, he believes, can connect people regardless of their origin.
Gorgeous scenery, charming traditional dances and ethnic costumes intermingled with classical music and traditional musical instruments in the film have largely impressed international audience at the festival.
Tu Pham, a Vietnamese having lived in the UK for nearly 10 years, found it special seeing beautiful scenery of the north region of Vietnam and her hometown Hanoi right in Wales, making her feel like being home. She was also impressed by how the film portrayed the influences of different cultures through music.
Xiaohang Chen from China was stunned by the beautiful countryside of Vietnam shown in the film, reminding him of his grandparents who also live in the countryside. Chen said this helps create a connection between the audience and Vietnam.
“Once upon a bridge in Vietnam” is Bibonne’s first documentary about Vietnam with a desire to connect, through music, France and Vietnam, the homeland of his grandmother, Bibonne said, adding his girlfriend, Linh, is also Vietnamese, who is completing her master’s degree in Public Policy at London School of Economics.
Bibonne’s late grandmother, who was very close to him, inspired him to learn about his Vietnamese origin. The young filmmaker said he will spend his whole life doing creative projects that connect Vietnam and France. He plans to return to Hanoi in October to continue his series of Vietnamese culture projects. His second documentary will focus on football, the most popular sport in the country and a unifying force for the nation, in his opinion.
François Bibonne comes from Fontainebleau, the city of kings in France. He got a master’s degree in History from Sorbonne University and once worked as a media manager at the Fontainebleau Schools for Music and Fine Arts, a job that inspired his special love for music and film.
Vietnamese iron and steel imports hit record high in first half
Vietnam imported over 8.22 million tonnes of iron and steel during the first half of this year, up 48% in volume and 25% in value compared to the same period from last year, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
According to the latest report released by the General Department of Customs, Vietnamese iron and steel imports in June alone hit more than 1.2 million tonnes valued at more than US$934 million, down 17% in volume and 17.3% in value compared to the previous month.
 |
| Illustrative photo (Source: VOV) |
Import prices in June stood at US$727 per tonne, a drop of 17% on-year.
China was widely viewed as the leader in the iron and steel supply market throughout the reviewed period, reaching nearly 5.7 million tonnes, equivalent to US$366 million, marking a sharp annual increase of 86% in volume and 59% in value.
This was followed by the Japan with 878,851 tonnes valued at more than US$878 million; and the Republic of Korea (RoK) with 568,335 tonnes, worth over US$540 million.
Since 2015, the industry has emerged as a leading manufacturer within ASEAN in terms of both the production and consumption of finished steel products. In 2023, the country 's crude steel production obtained an impressive output of 20 million tonnes, thereby propelling the nation to 12th position globally.
Also in June alone, Vietnam imported 886,000 tonnes of hot-rolled steel, making up for 151% of the domestic production volume. Of this volume, 77% of the total came from the Chinese market.
I
 |
| lIllustrative photo (Source: baodautu.vn) |
The first half witnessed the country spend US$3.46 billion on importing nearly six million tonnes of hot-rolled coil (HRC) steel, a 32% rise on-year. The import volume held 173% of domestic production. Of which, steel from the northern neighbour accounted for 74% of the total at US$2.5 billion, while the rest came from the RoK, India, and Japan.
Due to the risks of being flooded by cheap imported HRC steel, experts suggested that relevant agencies should continue to build standards for technical and quality management, technical barriers, as well as moving to implement trade remedy measures in a bid prevent poor-quality products from being imported into the country.
350 paintings featuring 20th-century Vietnamese art put up for sale
A total of 350 diverse and curated artworks will be put up for sale online in the Vietnamese and British market through the website www.leauctions.vn organised by Le Auction House on July 27 and July 28 to mark the occasion of the 100th anniversary since the establishment of the Indochina College of Fine Arts, reported the Voice of Vietnam.
 |
| A silk painting with the theme of “Riverside” by Luong Xuan Nhi (1914 – 2006) (Photo: VOV) |
Artworks by both French and Vietnamese painters will be offered at the auction which will open with the theme of “20th Century Vietnamese Art”.
The founding of the Indochina College of Fine Arts (L’ecole des Beaux Arts de l’Indochine) was a crucial turning point in the nation’s art history as it began enrolling students in 1925 under the leadership of French painter Victor Tardieu.
Significant contributions to shaping Vietnamese art during this period must acknowledge French painters. Among them are prominent figures such as Victor Tardieu, Joseph Inguimberty, Alix Aymé, André Maire, and Henri Mege, all of whom will have paintings showcased at the upcoming event of Le Auction House.
Furthermore, artworks of the early graduates of the Indochina College of Fine Arts such as Le Pho, Mai Trung Thu, and Vu Cao Dam will also be auctioned.
Additionally, the focal point of the “20th Century Vietnamese Art” auction delves into the Resistance Art period in Northern Vietnam, showcasing prominent artists like Luu Cong Nhan, Le Huy Hoa, Tran Luu Hau, Nguyen Trong Kiem, and Tran Dong Luong. Their works predominantly reflect realism, capturing the pulse of the era and the nation.
They also serve to illuminate a vibrant period in Vietnamese art, exploring themes ranging from landscapes, people, to the determination to defend the homeland and enthusiasm for causes such as national construction and development.
Moving to the South, until 1975, within just two decades, talented artists such as Nguyen Phuoc, Nguyen Trung, Nguyen Khai, Ho Huu Thu, and many others resonated, yearning for creativity and innovation amidst the aftermath of 30 years of intense war. They were integral in the resurgence of a rich, youthful, and modern art scene in Ho Chi Minh City, navigating unprecedented challenges in the process, according to Le Auction House./.