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An overview of the national flags of Vietnam and Cuba at the Fidel Castro park in Dong Ha city, Quang Tri province, Vietnam in June 2020. |
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An overview of national flags of Vietnam and Cuba at the San Carlos de la Cabaña fortress in La Habana, Cuba in March 2023 |
Since the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic relations on December 2, 1960, the Vietnam-Cuba relationship, founded by President Ho Chi Minh and leader Fidel Castro, has been continuously nurtured by generations of leaders, governments, militaries, and people of both nations. To preserve historical memories and educate younger generations about the Vietnam-Cuba relations, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense and the Cuban Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces jointly compiled a historical dossier on the 60 years of Vietnam-Cuba defense relations (1960-2020). The documentary “Two hearts beat as one” is part of this dossier, directed under the leadership of Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, who was then Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister.
Under the agreement between the two sides, the General Department of Political Affairs of the Vietnam People’s Army directed the Department of Political Education and Information and the Military Broadcasting Center to closely work with the Cuban side to produce the documentary.
The documentary was welcomed by many individuals who care about Cuba and Vietnam-Cuba relations. “Senior Lieutenant General Álvaro López Miera, Minister of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces, and Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh made significant efforts to the documentary film. Even after his retirement, Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh continued to provide valuable advice to the film producer. During his visit to Hanoi for the Vietnam International Defense Expo 2024, Senior Lieutenant General (Corps General) Álvaro López Miera proudly introduced his wife, who made contribution to the film’s production, and emphasized that “Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh was like a brother to him,” shared Colonel Dang Bao Trung, the film’s executive manager.
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Local students at Uncle Ho Primary School in La Habana, Cuba |
In March 2023, at the headquarters of the Cuban Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces in Havana, the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense handed over the first episode of the film. During an official visit to Cuba on October 9, 2024, Senior Lieutenant General Trinh Van Quyet, Chief of the General Department of Political Affairs of the Vietnam People’s Army, along with a high-ranking delegation, visited the High-Level Military Academy of the Cuban Revolutionary Armed Forces and attended the screening and handover ceremony of episodes 2 and 3 of the film.
At the event, both Senior Lieutenant General Trinh Van Quyet and Senior Lieutenant General Álvaro López Miera agreed that the film would further deepen the relations between the two countries and their armed forces, serving as a bridge for future generations to continue building and strengthening this unique and special solidarity.
Talking about the film, Assoc. Prof., Dr. Bui Chi Trung, the film’s chief director, held, “As the title suggests, the special Vietnam-Cuba relations is like that of two soulmates, separated by half the globe but always standing side by side. We are proud of these loyal, steadfast friends who have supported us through hardships and in our journey forward. The film showcases the character of the Vietnamese and Cuban people, honors the contribution of the forefathers, and inspires pride and innovation in the younger generation to further develop Vietnam-Cuba relations.”
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The film crew in a joint photo at La Plata command in Sierra Maestra base, Cuba in July 2024 |
Director and screenwriter Nguyen Ha Tiep shared that the team strived to find a new perspective for the film. “In addition to researching materials, we undertook many long trips to Cuba,” he noted. “This allowed us to better understand the relations between the two countries and deeply feel Cuba’s affection for Vietnam.”
To create such remarkable footage, photojournalist Pham Trung Thanh, the cinematography director, highlighted the support the team received from Cuba. “At times, we were provided with private flights by the Cuban Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces to meet production deadlines. Despite their difficulties, they offered us the best they had. Throughout the film-making process, we gained not just footage but also friends and comrades because of their sincere and heartfelt support. It felt like we truly shared the same heartbeat,” he shared.
Each episode, approximately 30 minutes long, reflects the dedication and professionalism of the film crew, delivering authentic, vivid, and emotional visuals to the audience. Former Cuban Ambassador to Vietnam, Orlando Nicolás Hernández Guillén, praised the documentary for its “not only high artistic value but also its credibility, as it brings together leaders from both Cuba and Vietnam.”
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The film crew at a training field of the Mobile Commando Brigade of the Cuban Ministry of Revolutionary Armed Forces in July 2024 |
The Vietnam-Cuba relationship is considered an invaluable asset for both nations, to be preserved and passed down from generation to generation. With profound content, impactful storytelling, and realistic visuals, the documentary “Two hearts beat as one” helps people of both countries, especially the younger generation, gain a deeper understanding of the development of this traditional solidarity, special friendship, and comprehensive cooperation, with defense collaboration being a key pillar.
Translated by Minh Anh