Saigon weekend: What to do and where to go

French movie "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" (The Young Girls of Rochefort)

French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

"Les Demoiselles de Rochefort". Photo courtesy of French Cinema Rendez-vous

This week's movie is "Les Demoiselles de Rochefort", following the lives of two sisters, Delphine and Solange, as they navigate their passions and pursue their dreams.

Delphine, a skilled dancing teacher, and Solange, a talented composer and piano instructor, yearn for love and fulfillment. In the pursuit of their happiness and goals, they encounter interesting men and circumstances.

"Les Demoiselles de Rochefort" will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on June 3 at 7 p.m. The price is VND60,000 ($2.55) per person.

Global Toy Expo

The first-ever Global Toy Expo in Vietnam will feature the latest trends and innovations in the toy industry. Exhibitors from around the world will showcase a diverse range of toys, games, and playthings for all ages. From classic toys to cutting-edge technology, the expo provides an overview of the industry and serves as a platform for exploration and discovery.

"Global Toy Exo". Photo courtesy of RL Group Asia

With eight featured sectors, including toys for infants, educational games, tech toys, outdoor play equipment, action figures, board games, sports equipment, and arts and crafts, visitors can expect a wide array of captivating exhibits. Visitors, including retailers, parents, educators, collectors, and toy enthusiasts, can attend panel discussions and keynotes to gain insights into the industry's latest trends and innovations.

The expo will take place from June 1 to 4, running daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Grand Saigon Hotel at 8 Dong Khoi Street, Ben Nghe Ward, District 1. Entrance is free for buyers, traders and visitors.

Exhibition "Silver Lining"

Noirfoto Darkroom-Studio-Gallery and Audi invite visitors to experience a series of hand-printed black and white photographs called "Silver Lining". These photographs delve into the intricate relationship between humanity and the natural world, capturing emotions and the joy of life.

"Silver Lining" exhibition poster. Photo courtesy of Noirfoto Darkroom-Studio-Gallery

The title "Silver Lining" pays homage to the silver gelatine paper, utilized in the manual darkening process of these photographs. It represents the connection shared between the photographer, the coating specialist, and the audience.

With a selection of over 20 works from five photographers Tom Hricko, Pham Tuan Ngoc, Couderc Jean-françois, Truong Cao Hoang and Nguyen Thanh Dung, each photograph in the "Silver Lining" series was captured using black and white film and expertly hand-illuminated.

The exhibition will run from June 3 to 17, opening its doors daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. You can find this event at the Audi Charging Lounge at 6B Ton Duc Thang Street, District 1.

Exhibition "Surreal Cuba"

"Surreal Cuba," an exhibition presented by Leica Vietnam, invites visitors to delve into the world of Cuba, a place filled with beauty in every aspect of its people, landscapes, and the human love that thrives amid poverty.

"Surreal Cuba" exhibition poster. Photo courtesy of Leica Vietnam

The exhibition is the result of meticulous planning and preparation, which began with the Leica Travel Masterclass Advanced Photography Course conducted by Italian photographer Fulvio Bugani, the Global Leica Photography Ambassador, in November 2022 on an island of Cuba.

Inspired by the island's blend of light, color, and vibrant people, a group of 14 members from the Leica Vietnam Club embarked on a journey to capture the essence of this destination through their artistry and photography.

"Surreal Cuba" will be open every day between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m, from June 3 to 30, at the Leica Boutique Saigon, situated in the Deutsches Haus Building at 33 Le Duan Street, District 1.

Vietbaby Fair 2023

The VietBaby Fair 2023, the international maternity, baby and kids fair, will take place at the Saigon Exhibition & Conference Center in Ho Chi Minh City this year. The fair will feature 300 booths of 150 businesses from various sectors related to motherhood and childhood, such as baby products, toys, education, health care, nutrition and fashion.

"Vietbaby Fair 2023" poster. Photo courtesy of Vietbaby Fair - Vietnam Int'l Maternity - Baby & Kids Fair

The fair aims to provide a comprehensive platform for parents and kids to explore the latest trends and innovations in the industry, as well as to enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment. Visitors can expect to receive gifts at the entrance, and attend free workshops and classes on prenatal care, nutrition and parenting skills, led by experts.

The VietBaby Fair 2023 will be open for public from June 1 to June 4 at the Saigon Exhibition & Conference Center at 799 Nguyen Van Linh Street, District 7.