International gong festival should be multiplied

     The first Gia Lai international gong festival 2009, to be held in Pleiku city, the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai from November 8th to 11th, will draw the participation of 30 gong troupes, including five guests from Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos and Cambodia. Reporters interviewed Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Le Tien Tho about the festival.
* What are the significances of the international gong festival to be held in Gia Lai province in November?
The festival aims to glorify and promote cultural heritages of the gong as recognized by UNESCO, contributing to building an advanced Vietnamese culture imbued with national identity.
* How do you access the preservation of gongs of ethnic minority groups over the past years?
Provinces have made plans to establish gong troupes and reinstate gong performances in villages. In addition, provincial people’s committees asked localities and state management agencies to preserve and protect ancient gongs.
* What are the results of the preservation?
Firstly, folklore performances are promoted. Secondly, ancient gongs are preserved. Thirdly, people of all walks, especially the youth, are aware of value of gongs and actively participate in the preservation.
* Does the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have plans to associate Vietnam tourism development with cultural space of gongs in the Central Highlands?
Gongs have been popularized in the world. During this festival, we invited several countries where gongs are promoted. This cultural activity is a foundation for development in the society, including tourism. Therefore, the Vietnam Tourism Administration and relevant agencies under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism have participated in organizing seminars, folklore performances and recording specific festivals such as a seminar to preserve and promote culture in the Central Highlands in the near future.
* What do you propose for the preparation of the festival?
The Ministry assigned functional departments, famous artists in Gia Lai who have deep knowledge about folklore arts, including gongs to prepare for the festival. Apart from opening and closing ceremonies, there will be several festivals loved by many people.
* Did you plan the festival as an usual activity?
This is the first festival. We will learn from experience so that such festival will not be only in Gia Lai but also in other Central Highlands provinces. This is the region that culture should be promoted, creating the foundation and objective for social development. This activity should be multiplied.
* Thank you very much!