Italian Ambassador to Viet Nam Marco Della Seta. (Photo: Thu Phuong)

- Your Excellency, what perspectives on Italy and its people do you hope Italian Film Week in Viet Nam will offer Vietnamese audiences?

- With the aim of enhancing Vietnamese people's understanding of Italy and its culture, the Embassy of Italy in Viet Nam has organised Italian Film Week for many years in both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.

Italy is well known for its long history and rich cultural heritage. Alongside continuing to promote these values, we also hope to introduce Vietnamese audiences to the image of contemporary Italy.

Given the considerable geographical distance between Italy and Viet Nam, there is still much for the people of the two countries to discover and learn about each other. Italian culture encompasses a wide range of fields, from education and cuisine to science, technology and fashion, as well as distinctive art forms. Cinema is one of the key means we have chosen to introduce Italian culture to Vietnamese audiences.

- What role do cultural and artistic exchanges play in promoting people-to-people diplomacy between Viet Nam and Italy, Ambassador?

- I believe culture is one of the best ways to promote people-to-people diplomacy, because culture is created by people and for people. Culture is not created by governments; rather, it takes shape through the work of artists, creative professionals and various segments of society. Its intended audience is the public. Cultural exchanges therefore clearly embody the very essence of people-to-people diplomacy.

Cinema, in particular, is an art form that is especially effective at connecting audiences. It has broad popular appeal, and anyone can go to a cinema and enjoy a film. As a visual art form, cinema can transcend language barriers. Viewers do not need specialised knowledge or fluency in the language of a film to appreciate and understand its content. As a result, cinema can reach audiences directly and make an almost immediate impact.

For these reasons, I believe cinema is one of the most effective and successful means of people-to-people exchange for any country, including Italy.

- What plans does the Embassy of Italy in Viet Nam have to promote people-to-people diplomacy between the two countries in the coming period?

- The Embassy of Italy in Viet Nam maintains a wide range of annual cultural exchange activities, notably Italian Film Week and events focusing on design, contemporary art, science and technology, among others. Italian Cuisine Week, which is usually held every November, is also a meaningful people-to-people exchange activity, as cuisine is closely intertwined with the daily lives and cultures of every country.

Education is another area to which we attach particular importance. The Embassy is actively promoting study opportunities in Italy for Vietnamese students. This October, 18 Italian universities will be present in Hanoi to introduce their academic programmes and study opportunities to Vietnamese students.

Ambassador Marco Della Seta (centre) meets with lecturers and students from the Department of Italian Language at a photo exhibition in June 2026. (Photo: Embassy of Italy in Viet Nam)

We have observed that an increasing number of Vietnamese students are choosing to study in Italy. This is a particularly meaningful form of people-to-people exchange, as young people not only acquire knowledge but also experience a different way of life, environment and culture firsthand. When they return to Viet Nam, these students become “ambassadors” for Italy, sharing their experiences and understanding of our country.

Alongside our annual activities, we always strive to enrich our exchange programmes with new events. In recent years, the Embassy has organised ballet performances, performing arts and circus arts programmes, as well as numerous concerts.

The activities of the Embassy of Italy in Viet Nam place particular emphasis on younger generations because, in our view, people-to-people diplomacy should be oriented towards future generations. Accordingly, the Embassy regularly organises activities related to contemporary art and music. Next month, we plan to hold a contemporary music event featuring Italian and Vietnamese artists, creating opportunities for artists from both countries to meet and interact directly. In general, our activities are carried out regularly, not only at the Embassy but also at various other venues.

One of the key projects we are currently promoting is the establishment of an Italian Cultural Centre in Hanoi. I believe that the centre will provide fresh impetus for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Rather than organising cultural activities through the Embassy, as we do now, we will have a dedicated institution with its own staff and budget, enabling us to strengthen cultural exchanges between Italy and Viet Nam.

- Thank you very much!

Exhibition Celebrates 80 Years of Italian Women’s Stories and Achievements A photo and documentary exhibition celebrating the achievements and contributions of Italian women over the past eight decades opened at Casa Italia on June 11, offering Vietnamese and international audiences a glimpse into Italy’s social transformation through the stories of women. The event forms part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Italian Republic.

Hanoi Audiences to Enjoy Six Italian Films for Free Six films exploring life choices, teacher-student relationships, the pursuit of freedom and the strength of women will be screened at Italian Film Week 2026, taking place in Hanoi from October 27 to November 1. Admission is free, and the films will be screened with Vietnamese and English subtitles.