Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell by Vietnamese director Pham Thien An has triumphed at the 21st Asian Film Festival in Rome, Italy, scooping the top prize for Best Feature Film.
This prestigious accolade marks a historic first for Vietnamese cinema, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung. He lauded the director, cast, and crew for their exceptional work and extended his gratitude for their contribution to the international recognition of Vietnamese cinematography. Ambassador Hung also highlighted the film’s role in fostering cultural exchange and strengthening the bonds of understanding and friendship between the Vietnamese and Italian peoples.
| Vietnamese Ambassador to Italy Duong Hai Hung (second left) represents the film crew to accept the award for Best Feature Film. Photo: VNA |
The film follows a young man’s poignant journey as he embarks on a mission to return his sister-in-law’s body to her rural hometown following a tragic motorcycle accident. Amidst the ethereal landscapes of rustic Vietnam, he embarks on a parallel quest to find his long-lost older brother, who vanished years ago.
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, which was honored with the prestigious Caméra d’Or (Golden Camera) at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, stands as one of the season’s cinematic beacons, according to Antonio Terminini, director of the Asian Film Festival in Italy.
He acknowledged the remarkable strides made by Vietnamese cinematography, not only through the emergence of talented young directors like Pham Thien An of Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell but also through its growing potential for collaborative film production with European and Asian partners such as Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand, and many others.
The Asian Film Festival in Italy, organized by the Fondation Robert Bresson, serves as a prestigious platform for showcasing the finest new films from East Asia. It also provides a unique opportunity for renowned directors, actors, and producers from various countries to connect with their Italian counterparts and explore avenues for future collaboration.
This year’s festival program delves into compelling themes that resonate with contemporary society, including the status of women, the complexities of adolescence as portrayed through teenage narratives, and the multifaceted manifestations of violence.
