Insights and Stories from Sapa and the Northern Borderbelt provinces of Vietnam.
Heritage Shorts: Documenting Vietnam’s Living Traditions
Heritage Shorts is a new documentary series celebrating the living traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities. From weaving and farming to music, shamanism, and craftsmanship, these short films capture stories of resilience and creativity passed down through generations.
Introduction
Heritage Shorts is a documentary film series created in collaboration with Heritage Centre Sapa and Open Cinematic, dedicated to capturing the living traditions of Vietnam’s ethnic minority communities. Through intimate short films, the series highlights unique crafts, practices, and rituals that have been passed down through generations. From weaving and crossbow making to traditional farming and shamanic practices, these shorts form a visual archive of resilience, artistry, and cultural heritage in northern Vietnam.
Preserving Intangible Heritage
Each film focuses on a distinct tradition—from the ramie weaving of the Dao Tuyen to the knife-making skills of the Dao Đỏ and the fire dances of the H’mông. These shorts not only showcase craftsmanship but also reveal the stories of individuals and families who keep these practices alive. Together, they highlight the creativity and strength of communities whose cultural identity remains a vital part of Vietnam’s diversity.
A Journey Through Vietnam’s Ethnic Communities
The series includes 13 films, each spotlighting a different community and practice:
Ramie Weaving (Dao Tuyen) – the art of weaving textiles from the ramie plant.
The Crossbow (Dao Đỏ) – traditional crafting of rattan and wood into crossbows.
Cotton Weavers of Bắc Hà (La Chi) – preserving the cotton weaving heritage.
Women of Bát Xát (Hà Nhì) – culinary and cultural traditions.
Hmong Batik – intricate wax-resist textile art.
The Orchards of the Nùng – generational farming practices.
Hmong Bamboo Foragers – bamboo as food and medicine.
The Qeej Maker & Son – musical craftsmanship of the qeej instrument.
Shaman (Dao Đỏ) – rituals of spiritual healing.
The Papermakers (Dao Đỏ) – artisanal papermaking with wild bamboo.
The Knifemakers (Dao Đỏ) – traditional blacksmithing.
Fire Dancers (H’mông) – annual cleansing and blessing rituals.
Tinh & Tá (Dao Đỏ) – oral traditions and spiritual knowledge.
Why Heritage Shorts Matters
These films do more than document. They safeguard traditions under threat from modernization and create awareness of Vietnam’s diverse cultural heritage. By amplifying the voices of artisans, farmers, shamans, and women leaders, the series builds a bridge between past and future, reminding us of the deep resilience and creativity rooted in community life.
HERITAGE SHORTS: DOCUMENTING VIETNAM’S LIVING TRADITIONS