Documentary “Seeds of Happiness” broadcast simultaneously on Vietnamese and Cuban television

Notably, Cuban National Television will also broadcast this film at the same time as Vietnam, marking a rare and historic collaboration in the television field between the two countries.

The documentary “Seeds of Happiness” recreates the journey of Vietnam transferring special rice varieties, including CT16 rice, to Cuba – a brotherly country that has always stood side by side with Vietnam in the most difficult times.

This is one of the important directions of the Party and State leaders to accompany Cuba in ensuring food security in the current challenging period, with Vietnamese rice varieties directly grown by the people of the two countries on Cuban soil.

Through the story of rice grains, the film depicts Vietnam as not only one of the world's leading rice exporting countries, but also a nation rich in compassion, ready to share knowledge and experience to build a prosperous and happy life with international friends.

According to Mr. Jorge Legañoa Alonso, Vice President of the Cuban Institute of Information and Social Communications, the simultaneous broadcast of VTV’s special documentary by Cuban National Television is not only a communication activity, but also a vivid demonstration of the loyal and pure relationship between the two nations. This is a precious spiritual gift on the occasion of the great anniversary of the Vietnamese people.

With a direct, emotional cinematic storytelling style, along with a meticulous investment in images, music and materials, “Seeds of Happiness” brings the audience emotional, humane and meaningful experiences. The film takes the audience on the journey of the Vietnamese rice variety CT16 germinating and growing well on the red soil fields of Cuba.

Not only is it an agricultural activity, it is also a living proof of a rare friendship: Vietnam once received Cuba's sharing during the war years and today, the rice grains themselves have become a bridge bringing faith, prosperity and happiness to the Cuban people.

Director Nguyen Duc De - Director of VTV Special "Seeds of Happiness" said that the film has no commentary, but tells the story through images, sounds and emotions. Each grain of rice, each smile on the farmer's face is a simple but profound message.

To make the film, the crew spent a long journey in Cuba’s Pinar del Río region to capture authentic and moving images. These include scenes of Cuban farmers sowing Vietnamese seeds in the fields with the belief of a bountiful harvest; scenes of Vietnamese and Cuban hands working together in the fields, sharing experiences and hopes; scenes of difficult lives with power outages, water shortages, lots of mosquitoes, intense heat… but the experts and farmers still persevere together…

In particular, the film also captures the emotional moments of Vietnamese experts - those who accept to be far away from their families, staying in a house that Cubans often call "Vietnam House" in the middle of the fields, where there is a lack of electricity, water and minimal living conditions, to accompany Cuban farmers every day to sow each grain of Vietnamese rice.

In the midst of hardship, their greatest joy was seeing their Cuban friends smile happily when the rice flowers bloomed, when the fields turned green with hope. That moment clarified the simple yet profound message: "Happiness will be doubled when you know how to give and help others be happy."

Mr. Tu Luong, Director of Vietnam Television Center in Ho Chi Minh City - Vietnam Television, Head of the VTV Special "Seeds of Happiness" delegation affirmed: The broadcasting of this VTV Special on the occasion of National Day September 2 is even more meaningful when the values ​​of Independence - Freedom - Happiness that our nation won 80 years ago are still being nurtured and spread to the world.