Swedish director Bo Öhlén has received the insignia “For the Cause of Culture, Sports and Tourism” from the Vietnamese Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism in recognition of his contributions to promoting Vietnam’s history and culture.
The award was presented on Wednesday 10 September at a ceremony at the Vietnamese Embassy in Stockholm by Ambassador Trần Văn Tuấn.
Öhlén is the director of Victory Vietnam, a documentary officially premiered in April 2025 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s Liberation and National Reunification on 30 April 1975. The film, which features historical footage from Stockholm in 1975, was screened in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and broadcast nationwide on Vietnam Television. It reached large audiences and was noted for its emotional impact.
In connection with the ceremony, Öhlén expressed appreciation for the recognition and underlined that the documentary was created to reflect the solidarity shown in Sweden during the war years. He also emphasised that he hopes the film will serve not only as a historical record but also as a means to strengthen cultural ties between Vietnam and Sweden.
According to the Vietnamese Embassy, the film has been recognised as a valuable historical document that highlights the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the solidarity shown in Sweden at the time. It is also seen as a contribution to strengthening cultural and cinematic cooperation between the two countries.
Source: Vietnam+
