“Awakening” mobile cinema screenings

After a period of stagnation amid the boom of online entertainment platforms, mobile cinema screenings in Dong Nai Province have recently been experiencing a strong revival.

Thousands of residents and students in mountainous communes, wards, border areas, and industrial zones across Dong Nai attend mobile film screenings in December 2025. Photo courtesy of the subject

From screenings that once drew only a few dozen viewers, each mobile cinema session now attracts thousands of spectators. In particular, the screening of the film Mua do (Red Rain) has helped transform these events into extensive, meaningful political and cultural activities.

From sparse audiences to packed venues

Over the past month, evenings and weekends have seen the atmosphere at cultural centers, parks, and community spaces in many communes and wards across the province grow noticeably more vibrant. From early on, residents gather in large numbers, eagerly awaiting the screening of Mua do. This cinematic work, themed around the revolutionary war, once made a powerful impression by recreating the heroic 81-day-and-night battle at the Quang Tri Ancient Citadel in 1972.

At mobile screening sites, venues are nearly filled. The viewing atmosphere is both solemn and emotionally resonant. For many grassroots residents, it has been a long time since they attended such a lively, familiar, and meaningful mobile film screening. The footage not only revives historical memories but also stirs the emotions of multiple generations, helping to foster a sense of patriotism and national pride.

Nguyen Minh Duc, a war veteran in Tam Phuoc Ward, shared: “When Mua do was screened in our locality, my family went early to get the best seats. The film is good, emotionally moving, and free of charge, so everyone was delighted. After watching, family members continued discussing national history and the immense losses and sacrifices made by previous generations in the cause of defending the Fatherland.”

Not only older audiences, but also youth union members, young people, pupils, and students across the province have actively participated. Seven mobile cinema teams of the Dong Nai Culture and Cinema Center have intensified screenings at schools to serve officials, teachers, and students. Through this, the film’s content is skillfully integrated into traditional educational activities, raising awareness, providing education, and nurturing life ideals among the younger generation.

Nguyen Tien Dung, Head of the Cinema Department of the Dong Nai Culture and Cinema Center, said that Mua do is currently being screened free of charge in 95 communes and wards across the province. Many screening sites have recorded audiences of up to several thousand people, demonstrating the strong appeal of mobile cinema when the right film is chosen for the right audience.

In just two days, December 4 and 5, the seven mobile cinema teams conducted numerous screenings combined with propaganda activities in mountainous communes, border areas, ethnic minority communities, schools, industrial zones, and boarding house clusters, attracting more than 8,000 viewers. This data clearly demonstrates the appeal, outreach capacity, and tangible effectiveness of current mobile cinema activities.

“Organizing free film screenings for residents in remote and disadvantaged areas has contributed to narrowing the cultural enjoyment gap. People can watch films free of charge right in familiar community spaces, and the effectiveness of communication is far higher than with traditional methods", Dung said.

Spreading cultural and historical values through mobile cinema

The revival of mobile cinema in Dong Nai is not a matter of chance but the result of a methodical approach and proactive innovation in both content and organization. Revolutionary historical films shown in public cultural spaces, schools, and units have served as bridges that connect communities, rekindle memories, and nurture pride and civic responsibility. Each screening is no longer a standalone activity but has evolved into a widespread “political education session”.

Nguyen Duc Long, Head of Mobile Cinema Team No. 6, said the team is in charge of film screenings in areas along National Highway 13, including the communes of Thien Hung, Tan Tien, Hung Phuoc, Minh Hung, Chon Thanh, Nha Bich, Loc Ninh, and other localities along National Highway 14. Given the vast coverage area and many remote locations, the team consistently coordinates with local authorities to ensure each screening is carried out smoothly and safely.

“Despite varying conditions, all team members make every effort to prepare thoroughly so that residents in the locality can enjoy the highest possible screening quality. Through this, we promote the effectiveness of mobile cinema, spread cultural and historical values, and meet the increasingly high cultural demand at the grassroots level,” Long shared.

According to Nguyen Tien Dung, Head of the Cinema Department at the Dong Nai Culture and Cinema Center, building on the positive response to the screening of Mua do, the unit will continue to select and include more valuable films with profound content reflecting historical and revolutionary themes in upcoming mobile cinema programs. Diversifying the film lineup not only meets the growing cultural demand of grassroots residents but also helps bring cinema closer to the community. This initiative is also the direction toward gradually “awakening” mobile cinema in Dong Nai, affirming its role and position in the spiritual life of the people.

On the evening of December 30, at Duong Tu Giang Park, the People’s Committee of Tam Hiep Ward will hold a free screening of Mua do. This activity aims to promote historical values, educate people about revolutionary traditions, and create a meaningful community cultural space for individuals from all walks of life on the occasion of welcoming the 2026 New Year.

By My Ny – Translated by Quynh Nhu, Minho