The Captivating Cinematic Experience: Berlin Film Festival Winner’s Vietnam Debut

The award-winning film Cu Li Never Cries by Hanoi-based director Pham Ngoc Lan is set to captivate audiences in Vietnam from November 15 onwards. Having already garnered acclaim at the Berlin Film Festival, the movie now brings its powerful story to local screens.

Director Pham Ngoc Lan shares a unique perspective on the film’s intention. With a special focus on the disabled community, the crew has created a dedicated 120-seat screening room to ensure an inclusive cinematic experience.

A captivating scene from the movie, courtesy of the producer.

Lan and his team recognize the artistic talent and potential of individuals with disabilities, and their desire to connect and portray their ordinary beauty shines through in Cu Li Never Cries. This inclusive approach is a testament to the filmmaker’s commitment to social responsibility and creativity.

The movie, with both English and Vietnamese subtitles, follows the journey of a middle-aged woman, Nguyen, played by People’s Artist Minh Chau. As Nguyen returns to Vietnam with the ashes of her estranged husband, she also carries a pygmy slow loris, a creature of the Vietnamese rainforest passed down to her. Meanwhile, her young niece, living with Nguyen, prepares for her wedding, facing an uncertain future with her partner.

The film poetically intertwines the present lives of the characters with the complex echoes of Vietnamese history. It’s a contemplative journey that has already earned the Best First Feature award from the Society for the Management of Film and Television Rights (GWFF) at the Berlin Film Festival, a first for a Vietnamese entry.

With submissions to 18 film festivals, five awards under its belt, and expectations to screen at over 10 more prestigious events by 2024, Cu Li Never Cries is making waves in the industry.

People’s Artist Minh Chau, gracing the Berlin Film Festival with her presence. Photo courtesy of the film producer.

While the Berlin premiere evoked a range of emotions, Lan believes that the cultural nuances of the film may have been lost on international audiences. Cu Li Never Cries was always intended for a Vietnamese audience, and Lan hopes that it will encourage viewers to embrace new cinematic genres.

Critic Susanne Gottlieb of Cineneuropa praised the film for its fresh perspective on Vietnamese society, offering a thoughtful reflection on the changing times. Clarence Tsui, writing for The Film Verdict, described the movie as attractive and nostalgic, capturing the uncertainties of both the older and younger generations. He also commended the exceptional performances of the cast.

Director Pham Ngoc Lan is no stranger to the industry, with a repertoire that includes short films such as The Story of Ones (2011), Another City (2016), Blessed Land (2019), and The Unseen River (2020). Both Another City and Blessed Land were previously screened at the Berlin Film Festival, showcasing Lan’s consistent excellence.

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