HA NOI — The sixth Viet Nam International Federation of Cinema and Television Sports (FICTS) Festival officially opened yesterday at Ha Noi Opera House to introduce films on sport and tourism.

This year the festival received 25 domestic and 42 foreign film stations and television channels, including ESPN (US), Eurosport (France), Shootv Sport Economy (Italy) and Les Films Neptune (US).

Some international agents who produce tourism and sports films from Cuba, Turkey, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Portugal will also send the works to the festival.

Audiences can enjoy 145 entries, including documentaries, scientific films, television films and cartoons on 9.30am and 2.30pm at the Viet Nam Cinematography Association, 51 Tran Hung Dao Street, Ha Noi until the festival ends on Saturday.

The moved is aimed to encourage the writing of new works on culture, sports and tourism with some high art as well, said Nguyen Xuan Vinh, from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Besides, the festival honours authors and artists of cinema and television featuring the contributions of some of the best art work in a process of integration and development of Viet Nam cinema, sports and tourism.

The festival will provide an opportunity to show Viet Nam as a beautiful and friendly sports and tourism destination. On the occasion, the delegates will be brought to Bat Trang Pottery Village and Thang Long Water Puppet Theatre to understand Vietnamese culture.

"This year, the number of foreign delegates is double the previous festivals," said Vinh.

In his launch speech, the Deputy Minister Huynh Vinh Ai, head of the festival steering board, said Viet Nam's festival was recognised by the FICTS to honour valued works on culture, sports and tourism made by Viet Nam and other countries.

"Viet Nam FICTS is a chance to introduce the image of the nation and people which is sporty and has tourism potential," said Ai.

The closing and awards ceremony will be broadcast live on VTV2 channel and Ha Noi Television from the Ha Noi Opera House on Saturday evening. — VNS