HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam: Beyond Words will feature former German Vice Chancellor Philipp Rösler in a role portraying a historical figure.

The film crew describe securing Rösler’s participation as a stroke of luck and a valuable opportunity.

He is admired by many Vietnamese not only for his remarkable journey from a child of Vietnamese origin to Germany’s vice chancellor but also for his enduring connection with his homeland.

"Rösler also has a face made for the big screen, combining intelligence, simplicity and humanity, which will bring added appeal to his story," said Director Lương Đình Dũng.

The director revealed that he had previously invited Rösler to appear in one of his films. This time, however, discussions about Việt Nam: Beyond Words and its values and significance sparked Rösler’s interest, leading him to accept the invitation.

Rösler said he has a special interest in Vietnamese history, which was one of the reasons he wanted to contribute to the film and help promote the country’s image.

Interestingly, he will not appear as a guest star but will portray a historical figure. Further details are being kept under wraps to surprise audiences when the film is released.

The crew hopes that the participation of a Vietnamese-born figure who grew up in the West and once held one of Europe's highest political offices will add a distinctive highlight to the film.

His presence will reinforce its central message: every Vietnamese person has a story to tell about their country.

Việt Nam: Beyond Words is a national image-promotion film project implemented under the sponsorship and coordination of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Việt Nam Department of Cinema. It will feature footage from all 34 provinces and cities, as well as the country's seas and islands.

The project is among Việt Nam’s most comprehensive film-based efforts to promote its national image, showcasing the country's natural beauty, historical depth, cultural richness and the spirit of its people.

Upon completion, the film is expected to serve as a visual resource for promoting Việt Nam at home and abroad. It will be used at domestic and international cultural and diplomatic events, as well as on digital platforms.

The project is also planned to participate in international film events and festivals in 2027, helping strengthen the country's national brand and introduce Việt Nam’s distinctive image to audiences worldwide.

Rösler was born in Sóc Trăng and adopted by a German couple when he was just a few months old in the final years of the war. Raised in Germany, he studied medicine before entering politics and becoming a prominent figure in the Free Democratic Party (FDP).

In 2011, at the age of 38, he was elected Vice Chancellor and Minister of Economics and Technology, becoming the first person of Asian descent to hold the position in German history. — VNS