By Adnan Hameed TWA ______ The Ambassador of Vietnam to Pakistan, Nguyen Tien Phong delivered a compelling address at the ASEAN Movie Nights, held at the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad. The event, attended by esteemed guests including Maria Agnes M. Cervantes, ACI Chair / Ambassador of the Philippines, Charles Delonge - Ambassador of Belgium, Mohamed Karmoune - Ambassador of Morocco, Mohammad Azhar Mazlan - High Commissioner of Malaysia, WADA Mitsuhiro - Ambassador of Japan, Atadjan Moalamov - Ambassador of Turkmenistan and Dean Diplomatic Corps, Dr Mehmet Pacaci - Ambassador of Türkiye and Ambassador (Retd) Salahuddin Chaudhary - Chairman CPCD, marked a significant endeavor to promote cultural exchange between ASEAN member countries and Pakistan. In his remarks, Ambassador Nguyen Tien Phong expressed his deep gratitude to attendees for their participation in the ASEAN Film Festival 2024, an initiative aimed at showcasing the rich cultural heritage, people, and tourism of ASEAN nations to a global audience. Emphasizing the importance of fostering people-to-people ties, Ambassador Phong underscored the role of cultural diplomacy in strengthening mutual understanding and appreciation among nations.

Highlighting Vietnam's diverse landscapes and cultural heritage, Ambassador Phong invited guests to explore the country's renowned landmarks such as Ha Long Bay and engage with Vietnamese traditions, including the martial art of Vovinam. He emphasized the universal language of film as a powerful medium for cross-cultural dialogue, allowing audiences to connect and empathize regardless of their backgrounds.

Ambassador Phong introduced the movie "Yellow Flowers on Green Grass," a poignant tale of childhood, family, and the human experience, which has garnered international acclaim and accolades. The film's success at prestigious festivals worldwide, including the Cannes Film Festival, reflects Vietnam's growing influence in the global film industry. The movie won many awards at international film festivals such as "Best Film" at the "Silk Road" Film Festival held in China, "Best Feature Film" by the Young Jury at the Toronto International Film Festival for Children (Canada). Fortissimo Films acquired the international distribution rights and the film premiered at the 2015 Cannes Film Festival. At the end, Ambassador Nguyen Tien Phong extended his gratitude to the audience and invited them to immerse themselves in the cinematic experience. The ASEAN Movie Nights, organized by the Embassy of Vietnam in collaboration with the ASEAN Committee in Islamabad, exemplify the commitment to promoting cultural exchange and fostering lasting friendships between nations.