The producers of the international award-winning Vietnamese film The Third Wife have been fined VND50 million (USD2,173) for ‘script violations’. Under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism’s instruction, the film has been banned from being screened in Vietnam due to sex scenes featuring the 13-year-old girl main actress. The suspension was applied from May 20. The ministry also asked the Cinema Department to check the film licensing. A scene in the the film The Third Wife is the story of 14-year-old May (played by actress Nguyen Phuong Tra My) who struggles with family politics, her own agency, and the prospect of motherhood after she becomes the third wife of a wealthy landowner. The young actress portrayed losing her virginity and childbirth in the film. There was controversy over the bed scenes in Vietnam. Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong cited the Cinema Department’s report as saying that the department had verified the … [Read more...] about The Third Wife film producers fined for script violation
Sports & Entertainment
Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2019 to open June 1st
The Danang International Fireworks Festival 2019 (DIFF 2019) will open on June 1st, involving eight firework teams from around the world, including Russia, Brazil, Belgium, Finland, Italy, England, China, and the host Vietnam. Italy is the defending champion of the Danang International Fireworks Festival. A press conference is held in Danang on May 24, 2019 to announce the Danang International Fireworks Festival 2019 (DIFF The festival is themed "Rivers tell stories" where each team will present a performance highlighting the history and culture of the rivers of each nation and the residents living along them. Duong The Bang, President of the Sun Group in the central region, the festival’s organizing board, said: “An artistic performance entitled ‘Sunlight dance’ on the largest-ever scale to date will be held during this year’s festival and will be a turning point for Danang’s tourism. A flashmob will be organized nationwide as part of … [Read more...] about Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2019 to open June 1st
Vietnamese film wins Cannes Film Fest prize
Hãy Thức Tỉnh và Sẵn Sàng, or Stay Awake, Be Ready by Pham Thien An won the best short film in the Director’s Fortnight section of Cannes Film Festival 2019. The film beat nine nominations from different countries. A scene in the film Director Pham Thien An said the prize was a big driving force for him to make a longer film which was also introduced to international movie experts at this year’s Cannes Film Festival’s Focus CoPro category. The screening of Stay Awake, Be Ready at Cannes on May 23-24 received praise from an international audience. Stay Awake, Be Ready features a motorcycle accident in front of a street food stall. The incident unveils a secret story involving three young men. Director Pham Thien An (left) The film was also presented with the top prize at the 2018 CJ Short Film Making Project, one of Vietnam's top short film contests. An, 31, was born in the Central Highlands province of Lam Dong and graduated in … [Read more...] about Vietnamese film wins Cannes Film Fest prize
FIFA to stick with 32 teams for Qatar World Cup
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar will be held with 32 participating teams and not an expanded 48 teams, organisers FIFA said on Wednesday. People speak near an interactive installation, promoting the soccer 2022 World Cup Qatar, in the Gorky Central Park of Culture and Leisure in Moscow, Russia July 6, 2018. (Photo: Reuters) FIFA President Gianni Infantino had proposed expanding the tournament and explored the idea of adding additional host nations. But the sport’s world ruling body said in statement: “Following a thorough and comprehensive consultation process with the involvement of all the relevant stakeholders, it was concluded that under the current circumstances such a proposal could not be made now.” FIFA and Qatar also looked at whether the Gulf state could host an expanded tournament alone by changing the normal requirements for facilities. “A joint analysis, in this respect, concluded that due to the advanced stage of preparations and the … [Read more...] about FIFA to stick with 32 teams for Qatar World Cup
Qatar officials say 48-team World Cup will not be ‘imposed’
The organisers of the 2022 Qatar World Cup said on Saturday that "there will be no decision imposed" on the country to extend the tournament to 48 teams. Spectators were treated to a laser show, a military band and fireworks at the reopening of the renamed Al Janoub stadium AFP Anticipation is mounting ahead of the final decision, due to be announced in Paris at the beginning of June, whether to retain a 32-team format or expand it. "(The) decision will be made between FIFA and Qatar," said Hassan al-Thawadi, the secretary general of Qatar's Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy. "In case a decision is made it will be due to our willingness and belief in the benefits of the increase. If we find that there is no benefit to it, or that the negatives are more than the positives, our decision will be to remain on 32 teams." Expansion could mean FIFA seeking co-hosts in the region willing to support Qatar, a complicated proposition for Doha which is subject to an … [Read more...] about Qatar officials say 48-team World Cup will not be ‘imposed’