Hanoi weekend: documentary film festival and craft beer tasting

The 12th European-Vietnamese documentary film festival

The 12th European-Vietnamese Documentary Film Festival is scheduled to take place from September 22 to 28. This festival will present a selection of documentaries from seven countries: England, Austria, Germany, Spain, Italy, Finland, Belgium, as well as the host nation, Vietnam.

This collaborative venture is organized by the Vietnam Central Studio of Documentary Scientific Film, a division under the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, in conjunction with the European Association of Cultural Institutes and Embassies (EUNIC). Each screening will feature both a Vietnamese documentary and one from an international filmmaker.

Audiences can anticipate a diverse array of documentary films, many of which have received prestigious awards. The films explore a wide spectrum of themes, including rural transformations, climate-related challenges, personal evolution in response to societal changes, or discussions on racism.

Screenings will be held daily at 7 p.m. at the Vietnam Central Studio of Documentary Scientific Film, located at 465 Hoang Hoa Tham Street, Ba Dinh District. Admission is free.

Beethoven piano sonatas cycle: Piano recital II - "Les Adieux"

The event "Les Adieux" marks the second installment in Beethoven's piano recital series titled "The Journey of Endless Creativity," dedicated to performing all 32 piano sonatas by Beethoven.

The recital derives its name from Sonata Opus 81a, also known as the 26th Sonata, titled "Les Adieux," meaning "Farewell."

"Piano recital II - Les Adieux". Photo courtesy of MAESTOSO

The term "Farewell" often evokes sentimental and nostalgic emotions. Beethoven himself experienced such sentiments when bidding farewell to his patron Archduke Rudolf, a close friend who influenced his artistic development. The program features four pieces of music: No. 3, No. 6, No. 26, and No. 27.

The event will be held from 8 p.m. on September 23, at Hanoi Old Quarter Culture Exchange Center, 50 Dao Duy Tu Street, Hoan Kiem District. A suggested donation of VND300,000 ($12) is welcomed at the entrance. Those interested in attending can register for the event through this link.

Exhibition "Land, water, heaven: cross-encounters, joining threads"

From September 24 to 29, an exhibition titled "Land, water, heaven: cross-encounters, joining threads," will be presented at the Temple of Literature as part of Vietnam Design Week. This exhibition serves as a platform to celebrate the rich heritage, sustainability, and cross-cultural design exchange between the United Kingdom and Vietnam.

An artisan creating one of the featured art pieces in the exhibition. Photo courtesy of KILOMET109

Curated by Wax Atelier, based in London, in collaboration with the Blue H'mong craftswomen from Pa Co Village in Hoa Binh and KILOMET109 in Hanoi, this exhibition explores the themes of design and sustainability, delving into the concepts of land, water, and heaven to provide a unique perspective.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entrance to the Temple of Literature will require a visitor ticket, priced at VND30,000 ($1.20). Access to the exhibition itself is free of charge.

To he (colored rice dough figurine) workshop

This year's Mid-Autumn Festival at Coffilia includes a to he workshop that offers an enjoyable and educational experience for children and those who love traditional Vietnamese toys.

A poster for the to he workshop. Photo courtesy of Coffilia

Attendees and their families will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into various to he styles and molding techniques. Additionally, they can immerse themselves in the hands-on experience of crafting their own figurines.

The event is scheduled to take place on September 23, running from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., at the Coffilia establishment at 45 Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Hoan Kiem District. The cost of participation is VND350,000 ($14) per person. For children under the age of 8, it is advisable that they be accompanied by an adult, with both being counted as a single ticket. Each ticket includes a complimentary beverage and a toy-making tool for the workshop.

PRIDE beer tasting event

Hanoi Pride's Brewers, Overmorrow Brewing Co., and Furbrew, are coming together for a unique beer-tasting event on Friday, as part of the Hanoi Pride festivities.

During this event, each brewery will showcase four of their signature beers, spanning various styles. This presents an opportunity to delve into the world of craft beer, understanding what sets it apart from more common industrial brews.

The participation fee for the beer tasting is VND250,000 ($10) per person, which covers a selection of nine different 100 ml beers.