(VNF) - On the occasion of the 40^th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Spain and Vietnam, the Spanish Embassy in Hanoi presents a brand new film cycle that will offer cinema lovers a chance to savour the latest of Spanish filmmaking from October 17^th in the National Cinema Center.

The cycle includes a selection of comedy, drama and thriller that shows the creative zest of a country that ranks 4^th in Europe and 8^th in the world in terms of cinematic productions.

In 2017 we are particularly lucky to include in our program the world premiere of “Thi Mai”, the first Spanish feature shot in Vietnam. Director Patricia Ferreira and producer Larry Levene will speak about their experience of working on location in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay and will meet the audience at the festival’s first screening on Wednesday, October 18^th.

Besides the five screenings, the Festival will include the following activities: the opening reception at the Embassy, a round table discussion between filmmakers from the two countries and other activities to strengthen ties with the Vietnamese industry and explore opportunities for future collaboration.

Schedule of the festival

OCTOBER 17, 2017

10:00: Spain-Vietnam a partnership in film, roundtable debate

Cinema Department – No. 147 Hoang Hoa Tham, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

19:00: Opening reception and fashion show

Embassy of Spain – No. 4 Le Hong Phong Street, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi

OCTOBER 18, 2017

19:00: Official presentation of “Thi Mai”

19:30: Screening of “Thi Mai”

The quest of Carmen, who, after losing her daughter in an accident, receives a letter informing her that she has been approved for the adoption of Thi Mai, the young Vietnamese girl of the film’s title. Accompanied by her two best friends, Elvira and Rosa, who have never set foot outside Spain, Marta travels to Asia to meet her new daughter. There, the three women encounter a series of increasingly complicated, exotic and outlandish situations that bring out the most eccentric aspects of each of their personalities. Andrés, a Spaniard actor who upped sticks to Hanoi to live with his partner, and a local tour guide also have their parts to play in the adventure.

OCTOBER 19, 2017

19:00: Screening of “Las ovejas no pierden el tren”

Las Ovejas no Pierden el Tren (Sidetracked): Three couples in their forties attempt to navigate through interpersonal relationships, facing day-to-day challenges in the search for love and a better future in life.

OCTOBER 20, 2017

19:00: Screening of “Truman”

When theatre actor Julián (Ricardo Darín) receives an unexpected visit from his childhood friend Tomás (Javier Cámara), the encounter is bittersweet. This reunion is their first meeting in many years, triggered by Julián’s diagnosis with a serious illness. Tomás is baffled by his friend’s decision to forgo continued treatment and instead focus on putting his affairs in order: distributing possessions, reconciling past disputes, and, most importantly, finding a home for his beloved Staffordshire terrier, Truman. It’s this task that is causing Julián the greatest concern.

Over four days, as the two men walk the streets of Madrid visiting bookshops, restaurants, doctors, and veterinarians, they examine their lives, speculating on what the future holds.

OCTOBER 21, 2017

17:00: Screening of “Vivir es fácil con los ojos cerrados”

Set in Spain in 1966, this coming-of-age story looks at the growing relationship between three people: a teacher who longs to meet his hero John Lennon, a 16-year-old boy and a young girl, both of whome appear to have run away from homes. The title in English reads “Living is easy with eyes closed.”

OCTOBER 22, 2017

17:00: Screening of “La Caja 507”

In a quaint town along Spain’s wealthy Costa del Sol, a band of professionals plan the robbery of a small bank managed by the respectable middle-aged Modesto. Using his wife as a hostage, the thieves force him inside the bank vault while they make off with the valuables. Battered and dazed and waiting for rescue, Modesto stumbles on a safety deposit box that could hold the answers to the mysterious death of his daughter seven years earlier. Within La Caja 507 is the truth…

For free tickets, make reservation by email to the Spanish Embassy in Hanoi before October 9^th. The Embassy will confirm more details by email as well./.

VNF