On the evening of July 2, 2025, at the Ariyana Convention Centre Danang, the musical “The Enchanted Crossbow,” organized by Victoria School Education System and artistically supported by the Vietnam Youth Theatre, created a sensation at the 2025 Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III 2025).
Attracting over 1,000 attendees including Danang locals, prominent names in cinema, and international visitors, the performance transformed the DANAFF III 2025 stage into a vibrant cultural space. It also marked the first time a school musical was officially featured in the main program of an international film festival.
Performed by 50 students from Victoria School, The Enchanted Crossbow delivered a visually stunning experience by retelling the legendary story of the magic crossbow through a creative fusion of tradition and modernity. Highlights such as a youthful English rap by the Golden Turtle Spirit, a moving bilingual rendition of ‘Mẹ Yêu Con’, and a dynamic adaptation of ‘Bống Bống Bang Bang’ captivated the audience, drawing moments of deep silence and explosive applause throughout the show.
The grand and magnificent spectacle of the performance night at Ariyana International Convention Center Danang
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), shared: “Victoria School’s performance is not only an impressive artistic work, but also a meaningful initiative that supports and encourages young talents in the field of culture and arts. I have received a great deal of positive feedback from audiences in Ho Chi Minh City, and I’m truly delighted that this show is part of the DANAFF III program. Victoria School is truly a cradle for nurturing young talents, giving them the opportunity to reach further and soar higher.”
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan – Film theorist and critic, Chairwoman and Secretary General of Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) – shared her remarks at the opening of the musical
What left international audiences in awe of Vietnamese school musicals?
Right from the opening moments, The Enchanted Crossbow swept the audience into a vibrant artistic journey.
“I was truly astonished. I’ve seen many performances before, but I never expected a school musical to reach such a professional level. The students conveyed the message in English, but the emotions were so raw, so authentically Vietnamese – it touched the heart deeply,” an emotional audience member in Danang shared.
“I shed tears during the final scene of the female lead. The storytelling was modern, yet it preserved the traditional values beautifully. It was truly surprising to witness young Vietnamese performers take the international stage and tell their national story with such creativity and a global voice,” expressed a guest from South Korea.
The Korean audience was thoroughly delighted by the performance, especially by the incredibly charming and lovable presence of the young students on stage
The strong impression made by this Vietnamese school musical on both local and international audiences is a testament to the students’ talent and Victoria School’s serious commitment to developing musical theatre in education.
The seamless combination of a meticulously crafted stage production and the world-class setting of the Ariyana Convention Centre Danang created the perfect launchpad for the musical. With vibrant music and choreography, a modern stage setup, and cutting-edge lighting and technical equipment, every moment of the show was brought to life, delivering a captivating and visually stunning experience. Moreover, the spacious auditorium enhanced the overall atmosphere, allowing the audience to fully immerse themselves in every detail of the performance.
A highly professional performance, meticulously crafted with great attention to detail and care
“With the setting of Furama Resort Danang and the Ariyana Convention Centre Danang, any filmmaker or event organizer—not only in Asia but around the world, especially in Vietnam—would want to return,” added Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA).
Spreading Vietnamese culture through the creative lens of the younger generation
The Enchanted Crossbow is an artistic project fully invested in and organized by Victoria School, with artistic sponsorship from the Vietnam Youth Theatre. While conveying timeless messages of patriotism, the desire for peace, and loyalty, The Enchanted Crossbow is told through a refreshing new perspective. The entire story is performed in English by Victoria School students, ranging from primary to high school levels. This is precisely what made the musical stand out at the film festival—especially in the eyes of international audiences.
Victoria School students confidently expressed Vietnamese identity through every movement, glance, and melody
The event was also a meaningful part of Victoria School’s summer program series, offering students the chance to gain hands-on experience on a professional stage, connect with the local and international arts and culture community, and enjoy a summer full of enriching experiences.
The musical stands as a testament to Victoria School’s commitment to nurturing young talents and promoting Vietnamese culture. The Enchanted Crossbow is not only a source of pride for the students but also a special cultural gift that contributed to the vibrant atmosphere of DANAFF III 2025 in the coastal city of Danang.
| Victoria School is a bilingual K–12 international school system following the UNESCO Happy School model and the Cambridge curriculum, allowing students to access global education right in Vietnam at an affordable cost. The school offers a seamless learning journey that integrates the essence of both national and international education, enhanced by cutting-edge educational technologies and state-of-the-art facilities. Victoria School is dedicated to developing generations of outstanding, resilient students—happy global citizens with a strong sense of Vietnamese identity, compassion, and a deep sense of responsibility toward their families, communities, and society. |
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