Jodhaa Akbar, a romantic epic set in the 16th century, is one among eight films to be screened during the Indian Film Festival. — Photo santabanta.com

HA NOI – India, its people and culture will be featured through a film festival being held for the first time in Viet Nam from tomorrow (December 12) in large cities.

Indian Ambassador Preeti Saran said the event would help to lure more and more Vietnamese tourists to visit India.

"Indian films present many sides of Bollywood dances and songs," she said. "So I believe that the Vietnamese audience will enjoy the stories and messages of the films and Indian culture at the same time."

The films have been made by famous producers such as Aamir Khan, Gauri Khan and Farhan Akhtar. They range from films on history, sport and fiction to comedy and films for children.

Eight select films, such as Wake up Sid, Three Idiots, Paheli, and Oh My God, besides Jodhaa Akbar, will be screened in Da Nang, Ha Noi and HCM City till December 23.

Jodhaa Akbar is an epic story set in the 16th century. From a marriage of alliance between two kingdoms for political gain, King Akbar finds true love in the defiant and beautiful Princess Jodhaa.

In Paheli, Kishanlal marries the beautiful Lachchi, but he is forced to leave on business for five years the day after the wedding. Several days later, Kishanlal reappears and Lachchi is delighted, not knowing that a spirit has taken the form of her husband. Five years later, the real Kishanlal returns and trouble begins.

The film entitled Bhaag Milkha Bhaag depicts the inner feelings of famous athlete Milkha Singh when he deals with failure.

Saran said the Indian Film Festival was a great opportunity for introducing Indian cinema to the Vietnamese audience and to seek co-operation with Vietnamese filmmakers.

"This is also a platform for filmmakers of the two countries to interact and exchange experiences," she said.

Well-known director Peter Hien, whose mother is of Vietnamese origin, will lead a delegate of Indian filmmakers who will visit Viet Nam and attend the film festival.

They will attend a seminar entitled "Viet Nam – India Cinema Co-operation and Its Role in Promoting Tourism," which will be held at the cinema department (culture ministry). The delegates will visit various tourist sites in Viet Nam with a view to exploring the possibility of shooting films in Vietnamese locations.

"Peter Hien is very famous in India," Saran said. "He loves Viet Nam and shares with us the dream of boosting the friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries through cinema co-operation."

The festival will take place at Le Do Cinema in Da Nang City, the National Cinema Centre in Ha Noi and BHD Cineplex in HCM City. Entry to all events is free. Tickets are available at the respective theatres. For further information, please visit the Indian embassy website at indembassy.com.vn. — VNS