Vietnamese films in different genres are being screened at the first Vietnamese Film Festival in the French northwestern port city of Saint Malo, as part of activities in the framework of the Year of Vietnam in France in 2014.

The six-day event, which began on July 1, introduces to French audiences a selection of 15 films, including features, documentaries and animations.

They include Choi Voi (Adrift), Mui Du Du Xanh (The Scent of Green Papaya), Mua He Chieu Thang Dung (The Vertical Ray of the Sun), Dong Duong ( Indochina ), Khat Vong Thang Long (Thang Long), and Mui Co Chay (The Scent of Burning Grass).

In addition, two films about Dien Bien Phu historical battle - Dien Bien Phu by famous French director Pierre Schoendoerffer and Song Cung Lich Su (Living with History) by Vietnamese director Nguyen Thanh Van, are also being screened.

French movie director Regis Wargnier chairs the festival's jury. A total of 10 awards, including Best Director, Best Script, Best Documentary, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Soundtrack, will be presented.

Addressing the festival’s opening ceremony on July 3, Regine Petit, who chairs the festival, said the event offers the French audience a better view of Vietnamese cinema as well as its cinematic talents.

Head of the Vietnamese Cinematography Department Ngo Phuong Lan, who is also head of the Vietnamese delegation attending the festival, said she hopes the event will help the French public get deeper understanding on the nation, history, culture and society of Vietnam.

The festival also offers a chance for French and Vietnamese film-makers to share experience, while opening up new prospect for the cinematography sectors of both countries, she said.-VNA