The film originates from a child's innocent question: "What is independence, sir?", the film opens a philosophical journey through three stages: Memories - The price of independence - Heritage.
There, memories appear through the trembling voices of veterans, blood- stained notebooks; the price of independence is sacrifice and loss; and the heritage is the continuous flow, from the sound of the Army's Guard band singing in the house of musician Van Cao's son, to the image of Tu Van village, painting a bright red flag.
Director - journalist Duong Binh Nguyen shared that the crew hopes that the audience will not only look back at history but also see independence as the responsibility to continue today. "Independence is present in rice bowls, student notebooks, and in the innocent singing of children. That is the heart rate that needs to be preserved and nurtured every day" - he said.
Director - journalist Duong Binh Nguyen shared more: "We do not want to make a dry documentary. "Independence" must touch the audience's heart, to see that independence is not only in the past, but also present in every breath today".
During the filming process, many members of the film crew were moved by the character. Editor Le Hoa said that when filming the veteran turning the page of the battlefield book, the whole crew was silent. Filmmaker Doan Manh also emphasized that he leaves light and frames "serving emotions, helping viewers touch gaps that are never filled".
The highlight of the film is the sacred transfer: The shaking hands of the elderly award the Independence Medal to the children, as a reminder of the responsibility to continue.
At the end, the sound of "Marching Song" resounded, the two grandfathers and grandchildren walking in the middle of the flag were flying - the image affirmed: Memories are the bridge, independence is the heritage that lives forever with the nation.
