15th European–Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival opens in Hanoi (Photo: VTV)

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong said the annual event, co-hosted by European cultural institutes, embassies, and Vietnam’s Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, has for 15 years fostered cultural exchange and introduced diverse documentary works to audiences.

This year’s festival, running until next Thursday in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, features 18 films including seven from Austria, Belgium (Wallonia–Brussels), Italy, Spain, Sweden, Israel, and the UK; seven from Vietnam’s Central Documentary Studio; and four by independent filmmakers. Screenings are free to the public.