Berlin exhibition reflects on Vietnam War’s lasting echoes
The Berlin exhibition presents a chronological narrative of the war through the eyes of artists and photographers who lived through or deeply studied the war. The works capture the anguish, iron will, and resilience of a nation under siege, from the early days of revolutionary movement to the great victory on April 30, 1975.
Claudia Opitz (R) introduces the display to Vietnamese Minister Counsellor Chu Cong Duc (Photo: VNA)
Berlin (VNA) – Fifty years after Vietnam’s reunification on April 30, 1975, an exhibition titled “Vietnam 75 – A Historical Reflection on the Vietnam War” has opened at Berlin’s Baby𝓀lon cinema, offering a vivid window into one of the most defining periods in Vietnam’s histor🤡y against invaders.
The display, blending paintings and photos, draws international audiences and the Vietnamese community in Germany into an emotional reckoning with Vietnam’s struggle for independence.
Curated by Claudia Opitz, Peter Steiniger, and Sebastian Köpcke, “Vietnam 75” presents a chronological narrative of the war through the eyes of artists and photographers who lived through or deeply studied the war. The works capture the anguish, iron will, and resilience of a nation under siege, from the early days of revolutionary movement to the great victory on April 30, 1975.
No artwork can fully convey the horrors of war, but this exhibition is an attempt to honour the Vietnamese people’s decades-long fight, Opitz said.
A portrait of President Ho Chi Minh, who directly led Vietnam's struggle, at the exhibition (Photo: VNA)
The curators also pay tribute to international voices of solidarity, including East German documentary filmmakers Heynowski & Scheumann and photographer Thomas Billhardt, whose searing images brought the war’s realities to the world.
The exhibition is accompanied by screenings of classic Vietnamese revolutionary films, including Chi Tu Hau (Sister Tu Hau), Em be Ha Noi (The Little Girl of Hanoi), and Lan Song Moi ( New Wave), subtitled in Vietnamese, English, and German. These showings have resonated deeply with the Vietnamese community in Germany, particularly younger generations s seeking to reconnect with their roots./.
The findings published on The Hill website showed that 44% of adults view the war unjustified, while 50% admitted they still had not clear idea what the US was even fighting for in Vietnam.
Nearly 50 international war correspondents who covered the war in Vietnam have recalled their memories of their days on the battlefields, their attachment to the country and the Vietnamese people during those arduous years. Though holding different positions, they all share a love for Vietnam.
Half a century since the war's end and national reunification, Vietnam remains committed to building on the achievements of Doi moi (Renewal) and deeper international integration while staying determined to implement strategic breakthroughs and major national policies to herald a new era of national development.
Nguyen Trong Nha Uyen has made history for Vietnam’s dancesport by clinching a bronze medal in the solo Latin category at the WDSF World Championship 2025 in Germany.
The ambassador noted that among the 300,000 Vietnamese residing in the RoK, around 3,000 are living in Pyeongtaek and contributing actively to the local economy. Ho expressed his hope that the local authorities will continue support the overseas Vietnamese community in the city.
This is the first time since the adoption of the Convention that a country has served two consecutive terms on the Committee. The outcome shows the trust and recognition that member states have given Vietnam for its efforts and achievements in carrying out and promoting the Convention, as well as for its active role, strong standing, and growing credibility at UNESCO.
Quang Duc pottery is known for its wide range of forms, including wine bottles, jars, lime pots, vases, plant pots, incense burners and candle stands. Decorative motifs are equally rich, featuring mythical creatures, pastoral scenes, floral patterns, deer, peacocks, bats and more.
Vietnam’s cinematic appeal lies in its diverse settings, from terraced mountains and limestone karsts to bustling markets and ancient towns. Its mix of ethnic vibes, buzzing street life, and old traditions gives directors a goldmine for storytelling.
The Vietnamese team will gather on June 26 in Ba Ria-Vung Tau, where they will train until July 14 before departing for Indonesia for the ASEAN U23 Championship 2025, which runs from July 15 to 29. Vietnam will face Laos on July 19 and Cambodia on July 22 in the group stage.
The exhibition showcases more than 100 valuable documents and artifacts, divided into two main parts: “Journalist Nguyen Ai Quoc – Ho Chi Minh” and “President Ho Chi Minh – Founder and Mentor of Vietnamese Revolutionary Press.” This is an opportunity to recall the late leader’s journalism journey and affirm his exceptional role in founding and guiding the revolutionary press in Vietnam.
For the first time, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has granted Vietnam hosting rights for the two championships, including the Asian women’s solo category, which debuts this year as an officially recognised event.
Eight teams will join the tournament, divided into two groups. Group A features Vietnam, the Philippines, Sichuan Club (China), and Australia, while Group B consists of Vietnam U21, Korabelka Club (Russia), Taiwan (China), and U21 Thailand.
Despite strong home support and high expectations, Vietnam were unable to overcome the defending champions, who secured their third consecutive win over Vietnam in a regional final, following previous victories in 2014 and 2023.
The event, part of Vietnam’s cultural diplomacy strategy through 2030, was jointly organised by the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela and USM’s Faculty of International Relations. It attracted thousands of students from universities across Venezuela.
For the first time, Vietnamese audiences will have the opportunity to experience the ballet masterpiece "Don Quixote" in its original version by renowned choreographer Marius Petipa.
The contest carried deep meaning as it was the first time the life of Vietnamese women abroad had been highlighted as the central theme, said poet and writer Nguyen Quang Thieu, Chairman of the Vietnam Writers’ Association.
The event formed part of Vietnam’s ongoing campaign to seek UNESCO World Heritage status for the complex at the 47th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, scheduled to take place in Paris in July.
Creative cultural festivals are fast emerging as a new catalyst for tourism development in Vietnam, as localities increasingly invest in these vibrant events on a more systematic and larger scale.
This marks the first time Vietnam has hosted a continental-level Muay event which will feature competitions across 28 weight categories in combat and eight performance categories.
Coming to the Vietnamese booth, visitors had the chance to take part in a bamboo dance, a workshop on painting woven bamboo or rattan, or quizzes about Vietnam.
