Vietnamese spirit in football: François Bibonne makes new film!

Vietnamese spirit in football: François Bibonne makes new film!

With “Once Upon a Bridge II,” director François Bibonne is planning an exciting new chapter in his filmography that explicitly deals with Vietnamese culture and sport. Initially conceived as an independent project, the second part of the documentary series quickly developed into a work that not only takes a close look at football in Vietnam, but also the Vietnamese spirit and identity. This discovery, which is closely linked to his grandmother's legacy, is at the center of the film Vietnam.vn reported.

The film's narrative structure is designed as a journey that leads through various communities and landscapes in Vietnam. Filming locations include cities such as Hanoi, Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, Binh Lieu and Pleiku. This diversity reflects the depth of Vietnamese culture and shows how sport is integrated into people's lives. The film not only focuses on football, but also traditional music, including the sounds of the monochord and the melodies of the Quan Ho, as well as Western instruments that bridge cultures.

Cultural and sporting connections

A central component of the film is the role of football in Vietnamese society. Bibonne not only follows the careers of individual players, but also the influence of French coach Philippe Troussier on the Vietnamese national team. Football has become an important element of Vietnamese popular culture, widespread in both urban and rural areas, such as Le Petit Journal emphasized.

Particularly noteworthy is the use of footballer Huynh Nhu, who plays a significant role in the film. Given the success of the Vietnamese women's football team, currently 32nd in the FIFA ranking, Bibonne plans to involve women more in the project to shed light on their challenges in sport. This is in line with his vision to bring Vietnamese culture authentically and poetically to an international audience.

Production and challenges

The film's production presents several challenges, including language hurdles, changeable weather and financial constraints. Nevertheless, with the support of his Vietnamese girlfriend and her family, Bibonne finds a way to get closer to his cultural roots. This personal connection gives the film additional emotional depth.

The documentary is currently in progress and is scheduled to hit theaters in November 2023. Bibonne is also already planning a third part, which will probably be dedicated to the topics of art and fashion. “Once Upon a Bridge II” creates a living novel whose progression is not entirely in the director's hands, which gives the documentary a dynamic touch.