33rd Singapore Int’l Film Festival to Showcase Three Vietnamese Films

Poster of “Fix Anything” film by Le Lam Vien.

Three Vietnamese movies, produced by talented local directors, are set to compete in the 33rd Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) 2022, which will take place from November 24 to December 4, according to VOV.

Established in 1987, the annual Singapore International Film Festival is one of the most significant film festivals in Asia. In addition to the competition feature and short film screenings, the festival also includes film industry-related activities such as exhibitions, workshops, and seminars as part of its official program.

The 33rd edition presents a diverse and inclusive range of over 101 films by filmmakers from around the world. These carefully selected films explore memories, emotions, and inspire conversations and discussions that celebrate the continuity of film and storytelling in the cinematic community.

A scene from “The Unburied Sounds of a Troubled Horizon”.

One of the competing films is “The Unburied Sounds of a Troubled Horizon” directed by Tuan Andrew Nguyen, which vies for the “Undercurrent” category. The film draws inspiration from the people of Quang Tri, a central province in Vietnam heavily bombed during the war, and continues to bear the scars of deep trauma.

The story revolves around Nguyet, a woman running a scrapyard business in Quang Tri, who makes sculptures from bomb metal. She takes care of her grieving mother, still mourning the loss of her husband killed by unexploded ordnance.

When Nguyet discovers a connection between herself and a famous deceased American sculptor, she explores the power of art in the face of enduring violence. The film delves into the transnational histories of war and the haunting, subliminal power of sound and music.

Another Vietnamese film competing in the festival is “Fix Anything” directed by Le Lam Vien. The 15-minute sci-fi comedy tells the story of a father and son embarking on a one-night adventure using their DIY ‘memory eraser’ van.

Director Nguyen Thi Xuan Trang with “What the /hel/” among participants for the 33rd SGIFF Southeast Asian Film Lab.

“Fix Anything” will also compete with “What the /hel/” by director Nguyen Thi Xuan Trang in the “Southeast Asian Film Lab” category. This category provides a collaborative space for Southeast Asian filmmakers working on their first feature-length film projects.

During the Film Lab, participants receive feedback from mentors and engage with fellow filmmakers to share experiences and insights. The program concludes with filmmakers pitching their projects to a panel of industry experts. Participants also have the opportunity to win the Most Promising Project and Fellowship Prize at the Silver Screen Awards.