Don’t Cry Butterfly, a film directed by Duong Dieu Linh, swept the awards at the International Film Critics Week, a program within the prestigious 2024 Venice Film Festival. It bagged the Best Film (IWONDERFULL Grand Prize) and Most Creative Film awards, wowing both critics and audiences alike.
The lead actress, Tu Oanh, known for her roles in numerous TV series, expressed her shock and delight at the win, saying she was “stunned” when the film’s name was announced. She played the main character in this unique and creative movie, which blends humor, social tragedy, and fantasy.
| The talented actress Tu Oanh, and the director, Duong Dieu Linh, pose with the film crew at the award ceremony. They are all smiles as they celebrate their well-deserved win. Photo courtesy of the film crew. |
The jury heaped praise on the film, commending its ability to “combine humor, social tragedy, and fantasy elements while offering a complex portrayal of the mother-child relationship.” This unique blend of genres and themes left a lasting impression on audiences and critics alike.
The film’s premiere on September 4th was met with a resounding standing ovation that lasted for 2.5 minutes, a true testament to its impact. Don’t Cry Butterfly tells the story of a mother, Tam, and her daughter, Ha, who are consumed by jealousy when they discover their husband and father, respectively, are having an affair. This pivotal moment, played out on national television during a soccer match, sets the tone for the rest of the film.
Tam, in a desperate attempt to win back her husband, seeks the help of a shaman, hoping his charms will change his mind. However, she unknowingly awakens a supernatural force in her home, adding a layer of mystery and horror to the story. The film is a personal journey for director Duong Dieu Linh, as she explores the trials and tribulations faced by Vietnamese women, both in real life and in the dramatic world of TV dramas.
IndieWire, a renowned online film publication, hailed the film as a “magical, dramatic, and compelling debut.” Josh Slater-Williams, in his review, gave the film a grade of B and praised Duong Dieu Linh’s talent for creating lasting visual impressions, despite her previous experience being limited to short films. He remarked, “This makes her a remarkable artist, worth watching, in a period of booming Vietnamese cinema abroad.”
Don’t Cry Butterfly was one of seven films selected for the International Critics’ Week out of 700 submissions from around the world. This program has been a launching pad for many acclaimed directors, including Kenneth Lonergan, Olivier Assayas, and Mike Leigh. It is an incredible achievement for Duong Dieu Linh and her team to be included in such prestigious company.
| A captivating scene from Don’t Cry Butterfly, showcasing the film’s unique blend of humor and social tragedy. This still features the talented cast, including actress Tu Oanh, as they navigate the complexities of their characters’ lives. |
This is not the first time a Vietnamese film has made waves at the Venice Film Festival. Ten years ago, Nguyen Hoang Diep‘s Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere won the Best Film award at the same International Film Critics Week. It seems that Vietnamese cinema is making its mark on the international stage, and we can only expect more impressive works to come.
Following its success in Venice, Don’t Cry Butterfly will continue its journey to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), a launchpad for many Oscar-nominated films. It will then head to the Window on Asia program at the Busan International Film Festival, before being released in Vietnam by CGV. Director Duong Dieu Linh has established herself as a talented filmmaker with a unique voice, having previously directed short films such as Mother, Child, Dreams (2018), Sweet, Salty (2019), and Heaven Calls Name (2020), all exploring the inner lives of Vietnamese women.
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