Within the framework of the State visit of French President Emmanuel Macron to Vietnam, Ms. Rachida Dati, Minister of Culture of France, presented the Literature and Arts Medal of Officier (officer) to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association.
The Medal of Literature and Arts is one of the noble awards of the French Republic, to honor individuals with outstanding contributions to the field of culture and arts.
Through the awarding of the Literature and Arts Medal at the officer level, it is to recognize and honor Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan's contributions to Vietnam's cinema - from the development, spread, to the connection and dialogue between Vietnam and international friends, especially with France.
Speaking at the ceremony on the morning of May 26 in Hanoi, French Minister of Culture Rachida Dati affirmed that this Medal is a recognition of an extraordinary journey, the journey of a woman with unlimited dedication to cinema, with an influence far beyond the borders of Vietnam.
Minister Rachida Dati affirmed that Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan is a vivid symbol of the strong connection between the two countries.
"Mr. Ngo Phuong Lan was the one who spread the fire. A woman of connection, of culture and dialogue. She always cherishes and spreads a cinema that knows how to question, connect people and touch emotions - a cinema that increasingly affirms its position not only in terms of artistic quality but also in dynamic economic development.
Her contributions to film festivals, as an international judge, through research works, teaching activities and active presence in professional organizations - all of which are clear evidence of a journey of persistent, passionate dedication and deep belief in the power of Saturday art" - Ms. Rachida Dati emphasized.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association, expressed her emotion and pride at being awarded the French Officer's Literature and Arts Medal.
According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, over the past 2 decades, Vietnamese cinema has been on the rise, especially in terms of market growth and improved film quality. However, the main issue is building a professional film industry and discovering, training, and nurturing talent with a team of young people making cinema.
She hopes that in the near future, Vietnamese cinema will also receive more regular and effective support from the French Ministry of Culture, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the French Institute for the nurturing and development of a young, talented and professional film making generation in Vietnam.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, a film critic and expert, is currently the President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association - an organization founded by her in 2019, after finishing her term of work at the Department of Cinema - Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, where she held the position of Director from 2012 to 2018.
She is also the founder and Director of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (the first annual film festival in Vietnam, abbreviated as DANAFF), with the fourth edition taking place from June 29 to July 5, 2025. Within the framework of this festival, there will be a thematic program for international co-production cooperation, accompanied by the French Embassy and the French National Cinema Center (CNC).
