TNH

Went to see Le Petit Vietnam organised by FVH on Friday and ate in the courtyard before the film. Loved everything about it - including chatting to fellow guests before my hubby arrived.
Food and service good, surroundings lovely and fascinating film.

*

This is one of the great places in Hanoi ensuring that you get to see films that would normally not be shown in this city.
It is run by dedicated volunteers that should be treated with respect and not humiliated by stingy guests.
Yes it says "donation" on the box - but come on, get the point and pay.

I really like this small art house cinema for the themed programs they offer and the special guests who often come to speak about their work. The owner and the staff put a great deal of effort into this venture and their passion shows. My understanding of their nonprofit status and their "suggested donation" is that it's the only arrangement they can have to operate with the necessary government approval. It is understandable that patrons might be upset that their "donations" seem less than voluntary, but I think it is due not to a duplicitous management but rather it is a work around of business-government regulation. And that "suggested donation" is about the only thing that keeps this valuable and relevant non profit running.

Hanoi's leading expatriate cultural institution, brought me up to speed on my Vietnam cinema as Netflix never could. Bar staff are some of the nicest ever and will patiently put up with all your foreigner nonsense. Most pricelessly of all, the man who works at the box office 7 days a week at HNC remembers 90% of the 900 members by name and/or face. When I roll up, he remembers which seat I like to sit in. Confession: Sometimes I go to movies just to see him...