HA NOI  (VNS)  — The Israel Film Festival will open with Foreign Letters by writer and director Ela Their on November 1. The film is based on the director's life and features her Vietnamese friend Thuy.

The film tackles immigrant experiences, prejudice, new cultures, friendship and conflict.

Other movies to be screened during the two week festival cover a wide range of topics.

This selection of films with their touching and inspiring moments is expected to offer a window into Israeli culture, life and experience.

"We would like to enable Vietnamese audiences the opportunity to discover new perspectives on Israel via the silver screen. It is also an occasion to celebrate the development of a special partnership between Israel and Viet Nam," said Israeli Ambassador to Viet Nam Meirav Eilon Shahar.

"My government recognises the importance of arts and culture to the strength of Israeli society and identity, and we believe film is a powerful means of communication that radiates beyond borders," she said.

The free festival will be organised in Ha Noi from November 1-5 at the National Cinema Centre, and in HCM City at the BHD Star Cineplex Icon 68 from November 6-10. — VNS