Vietnamese director awarded French accolade

Vietnamese director Nguyen Hoang Diep has been awarded the title of “Knight of Arts and Letters” by the French Government, making her the first Vietnamese female director to win the accolade.

CNC President Frédérique Bredin (L) presents the title of “Knight of Arts and Letters” to Vietnamese director Nguyen Hoang Diep. (Photo: Vietnam+)

Speaking at the awards ceremony in Hanoi on September 5, Frédérique Bredin, President of the National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image (CNC) briefed audiences on the life, career and achievements of Nguyen Hoan Diep.

She spoke highly of Diep’s debut film Dap Canh Giua Khong Trung (“Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere”), which reflected the Vietnamese director’s personality and contemporary life in Vietnam.

The film has won the appreciation of European film producers, including French producers, for its globally recognised value, she said.

For her part, Diep expressed her personal thanks for director Tran Anh Hung, who has inspired her and provided her with practical advice in the course of her work.

She also extended her thanks and extended the spirit of the title of “Knight of Arts and Letters” to her colleagues, who had worked patiently by her side to make her dreams come true.

Born in 1982, Diep is a graduate of the Theatre and Cinema College. She made her first feature film, Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere in 2013. The 99-minute movie has been screened and won many prizes at domestic and international film festivals.

The “Knight of Arts and Letters” title was established in 1957 by the French minister of culture, and its national merit status was confirmed by French President Charles de Gaulle in 1963.

The title is bestowed upon people in recognition of their outstanding achievements or great contributions to the art and literature of France and the world.

Prior to Diep, other Vietnamese who have won the title include fashion designer Minh Hanh, musician Nguyen Vinh Bao, writers Duong Thu Huong and Nguyen Huy Thiep, translator Duong Tuong and choreographer Nguyen Cong Nhac.

(Source: NDO)