1-Online concerts – a new trend

Due to the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, a series of cultural and entertainment events were forced to be postponed or canceled. As a result, online theater became known as a suitable solution, with a number of events being held in an online format through Facebook and YouTube.

Notably, the concert “Faith – We are the winners” virtually staged by the Vietnamese Musicians’ Association in late April, attracted the participation of popular artists from across the country. The event aimed to offer encouragement to people working on the frontline against COVID-19.

2-Songs about COVID-19 released

Even as the pandemic wreaked unprecedented havoc, infecting and killing millions globally, people in Vietnam managed to overcome the hardships with a certain panache by dancing, painting, and displaying compassion for others.

A number of Vietnamese songwriters composed songs about the COVID-19 epidemic. Among them, “Ghen Co Vy”, composed by Khac Hung aims to promote preventative measures that can combat the deadly virus, including hand-washing and sanitation such as “Wash our hands, rub, rub, rub, rub evenly”, “Do not touch eyes, nose, mouth”, and “Limit visits to crowded places”.

The song and dance have since gone viral and received compliments from top US chart Billboard, along with the New York Times, with the hit highlighted on an episode of HBO's Last Week Tonight With John Oliver.

3-High-quality live shows and music videos

Despite COVID-19, the Vietnamese music landscape this year still recorded a number of high-quality live shows and music videos, receiving plenty of compliments from audiences.

Son Tung M-TP's latest music video dominated several charts to become one of the most trending YouTube videos in a host of countries. His MV “Co Chac Yeu La Day", also known as “Isn't This Love” has reached over 17 million views, becoming the most trending video in Vietnam and Asia on July 6, the fifth in the US, and seventh in the Republic of Korea.

Other attractive music videos, include “Dung cung thanh sai”, known as “Right Will Become Wrong”, by singer My Tam, “Em khong sai, chung ta sai”, known as “You're Not Wrong, But We Are”, by singer Erik, “Hon Ca Yeu”, known as “More Than Love”, by singer Duc Phuc, and “Chan Ai”, known as “True Love”, by Orange.

4-Two blockbusters in 2020

It has been a tough year for Vietnamese cinemas and theaters due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but there has been a glimmer of hope in recent months. Two local movies, “Tiec Trang Mau”, also known as “Blood Moon Party”, and “Rom”, were two historic Vietnamese box office hits in the post-COVID-19 landscape.

Five weeks after its release in October, “Tiec trang mau” grossed VND177 billion, equal to US$7.6 million. Meanwhile, in September "Rom" topped the box office with earnings of more than VND60 billion and attracting huge audiences nationwide.

5- TV drama series depicts society in COVID-19 pandemic

The new series of “Nhung Ngay Khong Quen”, known as “Unforgettable Days” in English, has been praised by experts and audiences as it reflects the real-life situations people faced during the COVID-19 outbreak. Closed schools, isolated villages, fake news, people in panic buying food, and cancelled weddings were all vividly featured in the film.

Above all, the 50-episode series honours doctors and soldiers on the frontline in the fight against the disease. It also highlights the humanity, solidarity, and responsibilities among people.

The TV series was produced in a special period for the country, creating a good impression among audiences and spreading a positive message during the outbreak.

6-Hanoi Theatre Festival- a unique cultural event post-COVID-19

The Hanoi Theatre Festival 2020, which was held from September 26 to October 3, had attracted the participation of more than 700 artists from across the country.

It was run by the Hanoi Department of Culture and Sports, along with Vietnam Theatre Artist's Association in order to debut new productions about the capital, thereby helping to introduce the city's glorious history and traditional culture. The festival also aimed to celebrate the 1,100th anniversary of Thang Long – Hanoi and the anniversary of ancient theatre founders. 

7-Do Thi Ha crowned Miss Vietnam 2020

Do Thi Ha was crowned Miss Vietnam 2020 on November 20, and the beauty queen will represent Vietnam at the upcoming Miss World competition.

Ha, a native of Thanh Hoa, defeated 34 others contestants in the finale to ultimately clinch the trophy. She is currently studying business law at National Economics University in Hanoi. With measurements 80-60-90, the 1.75m-tall student was one of the 2020 pageant hopefuls competing in the contest.

Miss Vietnam 2020 is widely considered to be a special event in the history of the contest run by Tien Phong (Vanguard) newspaper.

Organisers were under great pressure due to the impact of COVID-19 and natural disasters. Despite this, the two-month long contest was a great success, living up to all public expectations.

8- Vietnam International Fashion Week 2020

A large number of local models took to the catwalk to mark the launch of Aquafina Vietnam International Fashion Week 2020, with the event kicking off in Ho Chi Minh City on December 3.

Themed "The Future Is Now" the 11th event saw the participation of 18 fashion designers from across the country. Most notably, the fashion show has become one of the leading events in the Southeast Asian region, being the fourth largest fashion event in Asia, only behind the likes of Tokyo, Seoul, and Shanghai Fashion Weeks.

8- National Book Festival held virtually amid COVID-19 fears

The national book festival, held online for the first time from April 19 to May 20 amid fears relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted the participation of 54 publishers.

The festival featured publishing houses, new releases, exchanges between authors and readers, and talks with writers, speakers, and critics. Bookworms had the chance to enjoy new releases and purchase them online. At the festival, sideline activities were also held online to promote a reading culture and encourage the fight against COVID-19 in the community.

The festival drew a total of two million viewers, withrevenue reaching over VND1 billion.

The national book festival, held online for the first time from April 19 to May 20 amid fears relating to the COVID-19 pandemic, attracted the participation of 54 publishers.

The festival featured publishing houses, new releases, exchanges between authors and readers, and talks with writers, speakers, and critics. Bookworms had the chance to enjoy new releases and purchase them online. At the festival, sideline activities were also held online to promote a reading culture and encourage the fight against COVID-19 in the community.

The festival drew a total of two million viewers, with revenue reaching over VND1 billion.

2020 witnesses famous Vietnamese artists’ deaths

Vietnamese fans were in great shock following the passing of their idols in 2020.

The gallant gentleman of black and white Vietnamese cinema Nguyen Chanh Tin passed away in his sleep on January 4 at his home in Ho Chi Minh City aged 67.

On March 28, actress Mai Phuong, who has unfortunately passed away at 35 because of lung cancer.

Meanwhile, music composer Pho Duc Phuong died at 76 in Hanoi on September 19 after battling a long illness. 

Most recently, Chi Tai, a well-known comedian in Vietnam and Vietnamese communities overseas, suffered a stroke and died in Ho Chi Minh City on December 9.

Thursday, 06:47, 31/12/2020