Dates: October 29 – November 5, 2022
Venues: Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art, The Kennedy Center
Partners: Smithsonian Institution, The Kennedy Center, Vietnam Society
Our inaugural Vietnam Week brought Vietnamese stories, music, and traditions to the heart of Washington, DC. The week-long festival blended art, film, food, and dialogue, introducing audiences to the depth and beauty of Vietnamese culture.
The opening gala and U.S. premiere of Em và Trịnh set an elegant tone, honoring the life and music of legendary composer Trịnh Công Sơn. Following the screening, guests gathered for a reception featuring Vietnamese food, contemporary art, and live performances.
A keynote conversation with Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of The Sympathizer, moderated by Ambassador Ted Osius, explored storytelling, identity, and reconciliation between Vietnam and the United States.
Other highlights included a traditional 19th-century wedding and textile showcase at the Kennedy Center, curated to highlight Vietnamese craftsmanship, and a culinary demonstration by Chef Kevin Tien of Moon Rabbit, whose innovative approach to Vietnamese cuisine bridged heritage and modernity.
Vietnam Week 2022 established a new tradition of cultural exchange, connecting communities through creativity, dialogue, and shared pride.
Highlights
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Film Premiere & Gala: U.S. debut of Em và Trịnh with a reception celebrating composer Trịnh Công Sơn.
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Author Keynote: The Sympathizer author Viet Thanh Nguyen in conversation with Ambassador Ted Osius.
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Cultural Showcase: Traditional wedding ceremony and textile exhibition at The Kennedy Center.
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Culinary Program: Chef Kevin Tien’s live cooking demonstration exploring modern Vietnamese flavors.
