When Fan Bing Bing walked up the Cannes red carpet, there were three assistants helped her to fix her dresses and a stylist followed closely behind. She was also sponsored by many famous brands with the most beautiful outfits to help her shined.
I decided to attend the Cannes red carpet Film Festival just 10 days before the Opening Ceremony, due to the enthusiastic invitations from friends in the Organization Board. The second time attending Cannes, I had many chances to observe and learn many useful lessons and I would like to share those.
I attended Cannes in search for new business opportunities and especially to meet new international friends, also to take the chance to catch up with all the business partners that normally I have to fly to each of their countries to meet.
Cannes is the world's leading film festival; everyone would like to be here at least once. But Cannes is not only for Actors, Actresses and Film Directors, but is also the place that converges many talents from different fields, especially representatives from famous brands, well-known entrepreneurs, world beauties and models and also all the audiences who passionate about the movie industry.
All came with their own purposes. Some came to look for opportunities to develop their business, others came to learn and exchange experiences, or simple to just enjoy interesting movies because of their love for the film industry. Especially, there were many artists came from countries that did not have any movies running for the award.
They came to support the movie industry and to “mark” their country’s appearance on the reputed red carpet. That is one of the reasons why I decided to attend this movie festival.
Cannes is always a wide opened door for every fields aiming to boost the development of the movie industry as well as commercial and tourism. Therefore I came to Cannes and walked on the red carpet not just to see how many cameras were pointing towards me.
However, I felt proud when there were many photographers to help me capture the beautiful images and moments on the red carpet, and always welcomed me every time I appeared, always asked where I came from. In those moments, what made me feel most happy is introducing that I am from Vietnam.
Walking on Cannes red carpet also made me realized the disadvantages of Vietnamese artists when joining the world’s events. You just have to take a look at Asian countries with developed movie industry such as China, Korea… to see that clearly.
I saw by my own eyes the powerful e-kip working in an extremely professional manner to create Fan Bing Bing’s image on the red carpet. When Fan Bing Bing walked up Cannes red carpet, there were three assistants helped her to fix her dress and a stylist followed closely behind her. She was also sponsored by many famous brands with the most beautiful outfit to help her shined.
Not mentioning about the preparation in advance of this grand event; she had a big crew, a group behind prepared for her all-year. Moreover, the red carpet is her “job”, same as most artists coming from countries where entertainment and film are the moneymaking industries; therefore, they are very professional, they are trained to have an outstanding appearance of a movie star.
In Vietnam, I feel that artists are still having a hard time, before putting on the luxurious evening dresses; most of them must work or do business in different fields to “feed” their passion. Therefore, it is certain that we do not have the “style” on the red carpet and unable to learn the “technique” to shine on the red carpet.
Take me as an example, when I was in Cannes, I did not get to just sit down relaxing and drink tea, have breakfast and then put on my makeup and dress up to wait to walk on the red carpet as many other Asian artists. I had to arrange time to sort out my work and make time for appointments, without relaxing time.
Only when the event nearly began, I had to rush back to the hotel to change clothes and make-up. I also had to iron my clothes, choose and put on the dresses by myself. My make-up specialist, photographer and myself had to try very hard to be able to step on the red carpet looking our best and put together.
However, I am glad that my style in Cannes at least has left some impression not only to the media but also the international stars. I always believe that Vietnam has enough talents and beauties to walk on the red carpet of Cannes without just like any other stars in the international arena, it is just that we are still lack of opportunities.
A fish in pond always believes that it is not as capable as a fish in sea, but if this fish can be in the sea, no one knows which one will be better. I always believe that Vietnam can achieve many things in the world if we have opportunities.
It’s also because we lack of opportunities that is why whenever someone steps out the international environment, not only in artistry, they need the support of their country in order to be confident and shine. Instead of censorious words and criticisms, encouragement and hearted advice will bring about better things
Despites not stepping out the world as a representative; but anyone steps out would feel that they have a responsibility to honor their country. The encouragement and support from the public of their countries will be the best coat to protect them and help them success.
Vice versa, censorious words and criticism will be a great obstacle, making them hesitate and doubtful whenever they intend to join in any event. Cannes gave me many experience, different level of emotions through my observation and interaction with international friends and stars.
Ly Nha Ky
