Christmas films and concerts: Saigon’s weekend highlights

The 6th Mons International Romantic Film Festival (FIFA Mons)

Co-organized by the Wallonie-Bruxelles delegation to Vietnam, the upcoming 6th Mons International Romantic Film Festival aims to serve as a platform to familiarize Vietnamese audiences with various aspects of Belgian culture, society, and, specifically, the Wallonie–Bruxelles region.

The movie “Yuku and the Flower of the Himalayas” follows a mouse named Yuku on a quest to find a legendary flower and restore her grandmother’s health. Photo courtesy of IMDb

The festival features a diverse range of films exploring the theme of love. Audiences can enjoy a mix of films, including “Cocktail”, “The Line of Life”, “Tori and Lokita”, “Sweet Lie”, and the animated “Yuku and the Flower of the Himalayas”, each offering distinct perspectives on love.

Screenings are scheduled at DCine Ben Thanh, at 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, from Nov. 29 to Dec. 4. All screenings start at 7:30 p.m. each day with free admission.

Saigon Winds – Christmas in Town 2023

Saigon Winds announces the upcoming “Christmas in Town” concert, scheduled for this weekend. Renowned for their diverse concert series, which includes “Cinema in Town” and “Ghibli in Town”, Saigon Winds invites the public to partake in this seasonal musical celebration.

A Christmas concert. Photo courtesy of Saigon Winds

The event will take place from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Dec. 2, at the Concert Hall in the Ho Chi Minh City Conservatory of Music, situated at 112 Nguyen Du Street, District 1. Ticket pricing ranges from VND650,000 to VND1,200,000 ($26.77 to $49), and reservations can be made via the provided link.

LOCO Deluxe Christmas 2023

The LOCO Art Market showcases Vietnamese brands and products, uniting local artisans who create quality goods. The upcoming 2023 LOCO Deluxe Christmas market, with the theme “Ville de Santa” will present an array of local products encompassing clothing, accessories, food, and beverages.

LOCO Deluxe Christmas. Photo courtesy of LOCO Art Market

The event will start according to the following schedule: Dec. 1 (3 p.m. – 9 p.m.), Dec. 2 (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.), Dec. 3 (10 a.m. – 9 p.m.), and Dec. 4 (3 p.m. – 9 p.m.).

The venue for the market is the Novaland gallery, situated at 2Bis Nguyen Thi Minh Khai Street, Da Kao Ward, District 1. Admission for the four-day event is priced at VND50,000 ($2) for adults, VND30,000 ($1.20) for students, and free for children.

Seoul sensations in Saigon

An event featuring Byungjin Lim, the mind behind Bar Cham in Seoul, ranked 13th in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2023, is scheduled for this Friday at the 18th-floor S Pool Bar.

Owner of Bar Cham, Byungjin Lim, began his career in 2007 and has since built his expertise. In 2016, he ventured into entrepreneurship by establishing his own bars.

The event encourages attendees to observe Lim’s skills as he personally creates four distinct cocktails, highlighting his commitment to showcasing Korean ingredients.

Byungjin Lim, owner of Bar Cham. Photo courtesy of Sofitel Saigon Plaza

Bar Cham is recognized for incorporating Korean ingredients and local flavors into its offerings.

The event is scheduled for Dec. 1, from 10 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., at S Pool Bar, at 17 Le Duan Boulevard, District 1.

French movie “Sur mes lèvres” (Read My Lips)

French cinema rendez-vous is a new weekly event introducing the richness and diversity of French cinema by screening a variety of very different films. Screenings are held by French Cinema Rendez-vous and Institut français de HCMV.

“Sur mes lèvres” poster. Photo courtesy of Institut français de HCMV

“Sur mes lèvres” follows the story of Carla, a hearing-impaired secretary working at a real estate development company. Struggling with career limitations, Carla’s life takes an unexpected turn when she hires Paul, a young and inexperienced intern with a troubled past. The film explores themes of personal and professional challenges, trust, and unexpected connections, offering a mix of drama and crime elements.

“Sur mes lèvres” will be shown at DCiné Cinema, 6 Mac Dinh Chi Street, District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, on Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. The ticket price is VND60,000 ($2.40) per person.