In Da Nang's cinematic history, there was a period when the profession of live film narration in theatres or with mobile film projection teams served as a bridge, helping audiences easily access films, especially foreign films and documentaries about war and soldiers.

The memories of film narration for Mrs. Yen and Mrs. Van are always associated with the mobile film screenings of the Da Nang Film Distribution and Screening Company. (Historical photo)

Golden Era

In Da Nang, the golden age of film narration lasted from after 1975 to the early

1990s. During this time, private cinemas such as Lido, Kim, Kinh Do, Kim Chau, and Tan Thanh were taken over by the cultural information department of Quang Nam-Da Nang and renamed. This era marked increased public awareness of revolutionary cinema and films from socialist countries, primarily the Soviet Union, Poland, and East Germany.

Mrs. Le Phuong Yen, who was dedicated to the film narration profession for 19 years at the now-defunct Da Nang Film Distribution and Screening Company, said that she was fortunate to join the team during the golden years of film distribution and screening in the city. During that time, cinemas were always packed with audiences, and mobile projection teams often traveled to districts such as Duy Xuyen, Thang Binh to serve the cultural and entertainment needs of the people.

With a warm, emotional voice, Mrs. Phuong Yen took on the narration for romance films such as "Teacher Lang," "Wild Field", "Soul of the Earth". Besides, she also tried her hand at animated films with fun and bright themes like "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp".

After years in the profession, Mrs. Yen almost knew the dialogues of films by heart, so she could read them immediately just by looking at the screen. "This job requires professionalism and dedication," she said.

“Of all the experiences, the most unforgettable were the trips with the mobile projection teams to serve the people in the remote districts of Quang Nam - Da Nang Province (formerly). Even before the projection teams arrived, the stadium was already filled with eager spectators. They assisted with carrying the equipment, and offered water and snacks late into the night, sharing their warmth and encouragement. Sometimes, I narrated behind the big screen, surrounded by curious onlookers wondering who the narrator was for that day. The atmosphere was always lively and joyful, as we were always warmly welcomed and cherished by everyone" Mrs. Yen recounted.

If voice actors only need to read the lines of one character per film, narrators must exhibit flexibility, skill, and sensitivity when "speaking for" dozens of actors across various plots and scenes. In the memories of Mrs Pham Thi Van, the original narrator for the Da Nang Film Distribution and Screening Company, she had to read the dialogues of nearly 500 actors to fully convey the content of the 4-part film "War and Peace," adapted from the novel by Leo Tolstoy.

"This job requires us to often sit in the studio, in front of a microphone, focused and patient as we watch the film and recite the lines until we memorise them. Due to the nature of the job, each narrator must preview many films and know their endings in advance. This not only provides an advantage at work but also enriches our spiritual life," Mrs. Van recalled.

Reading the script beforehand helped the narrators speak clearly, fluently, and without stumbling. Throughout the years in the profession, they became storytellers, transporting audiences to “different worlds" via the big screen. Their voices-whether solemn, gentle, fast, or slow, in sync with the film's rhythm-became an unforgettable part of many generations' memories, associated with famous films and emotional widescreen screenings.

Unforgettable memories

Nearly 70 years old, Mrs Van's voice remains warm and resonant, much like when she first entered the profession. She recounted that on the morning of May 5, 1975, just days after the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, she was assigned to narrate the documentary "79 Springs" about President Ho Chi Minh. At that time, Mrs Van was 20 years old and had just completed a narration training course taught by instructors from Ha Noi. Despite her warm, clear pronunciation, this task was both sacred and challenging.

"79 Springs" is a nearly 25-minute documentary about President Ho Chi Minh's life, filmed by a Cuban crew during their time in Viet Nam. It includes valuable footage of Viet Nam's struggle against foreign invasion, from the birth of the Democratic Republic of Viet Nam to the victory of Dien Bien Phu. The climax of the film features emotional and heartbreaking scenes captured by director Santiago Alvarez during President Ho Chi Minh's funeral, showcasing the profound grief and respect from the Vietnamese people and international friends bidding farewell to him.

Especially through scenes of ongoing battles, the film concludes with the message that President Ho Chi Minh's life and career are inseparable from the nation's liberation and reunification spirit, with the motto "Nothing is more precious than independence, freedom."

Mrs. Van shared that "79 Springs" was one of the precious documentaries about President Ho Chi Minh made by foreigners. During the narration, she aimed to convey the historical values and sincere emotions that people and the international community had for Uncle Ho, helping viewers deeply appreciate his life and leadership. "I prepared very carefully, memorizing every line and word, speaking slowly and firmly, conveying feelings, and accurately delivering information about Uncle Ho. Even after narrating hundreds of films over 20 years, '79 Springs' holds a special place in my heart," Mrs. Van nostalgically recounted.

In the following years, her warm and compelling voice left a deep impression on audiences. Those years, there were many days that she narrated up to eight screenings to meet the theatre's demand. Film narration is not simply reading lines but mastering situational handling skills and understanding the spirit of the film to best bring the cinematic work to the audience.

"We are required to speak fluently, accurately, and smoothly. Choosing appropriate words and pronouncing them correctly is crucial for effectively conveying the film's content. This job demands concentration, patience, especially when handling long and complex dialogues. Moreover, in some cases, narrators need creativity to make the film content more appealing and attractive to the audience," Mrs. Van further analyzed.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Da Nang's cinemas were bustling with residents flocking to screenings from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. During these challenging economic times, many families did not own TVs, making movie-going a popular form of entertainment, especially among the youth.

In addition to war-themed films, romance films like "Bitter Love," "Pham Cong - Cuc Hoa," "Farewell Summer," and "Hero Monks" were also popular among youngsters. These films featured famous actors like Le Cong Tuan Anh, Y Phung, Ly Hung, Diem Huong, Viet Trinh, and Diem My. According to Mr Hung, the storylines were simple, focusing on romantic love with eloquent dialogues and minimal special effects. People came to the cinema not only to admire the beautiful actors but also to hear the warm, emotionally conveyed narration guiding the story.

As cinema and projection technology advanced, the profession of live film narration declined, with audiences gradually deserting cinemas. Many narrators, like Mrs Van, had to leave their beloved profession to pursue other livelihoods. However, for Mrs Van, now nearing 70, the vibrant years she dedicated to Da Nang cinema remain beautiful and unforgettable memories.

Reporting by TIEU YEN- Translating by T.VY