In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Kim Vân Kiều, Vietnam’s first cinematic masterpiece, students and the Vietnam Studies Center at Fulbright University Vietnam have launched an extraordinary project to restore and reimagine rare images from the film using cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) technology.
Produced in 1924 as a collaboration between Vietnam and France, Kim Vân Kiều was adapted from Nguyễn Du’s literary masterpiece The Tale of Kieu. Though the film itself has been lost, several rare images have been preserved in historical archives. The Vietnam Studies Center has employed modern technology, including AI, to restore these images by enhancing quality, refining details, and animating the visuals to bring them to life.
The restoration process comprises three key stages:
- Enhancing Image Quality: Removing noise and improving resolution to create clearer visuals.
- Detail Refinement: Digitally refining features such as facial expressions and costumes to restore the images’ authenticity.
- Animation: Introducing micro-movements like blinking and head tilting to add a lifelike quality to the characters.
The result is a stunning collection of images that not only evoke emotion but also serve as a bridge between Vietnam’s cultural past and its modern-day aspirations.
This initiative reflects Fulbright’s dedication to preserving and promoting Vietnam’s cultural legacy by blending art, education, and technology in innovative ways. Through this project, the Vietnam Studies Center aims to inspire the younger generation to engage in cultural preservation efforts and deepen their understanding of Vietnam’s rich history and identity.
For more insights into this remarkable project, read the detailed article published in Tuổi Trẻ Xuân 2025:
Trăm năm bóng Kiều trong bộ phim Việt đầu tiên – Tuổi Trẻ Xuân 2025
