On November 21, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) unveiled the list of films eligible for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Among the contenders, Vietnam’s Red Rain, directed by Dang Thai Huyen, has officially secured its place on the preliminary list.
The International Feature Film category is reserved for feature-length films (over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States, with more than 50% of the dialogue in a non-English language. Each country is permitted to submit one film as its official entry.
Now eligible, Red Rain will vie with 85 other films for a spot on the shortlist of 15. Academy members from all branches may participate in the preliminary voting round, provided they meet the minimum viewing requirements. Voting will take place from December 8–12, 2025, with the shortlist announced on December 16, 2025.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism selected Red Rain as the country’s official submission on September 30, 2025.
Adapted from Chu Lai’s novel of the same name, the film is set during the scorching summer of 1972. It chronicles the Liberation Army’s efforts to reclaim Quang Tri Citadel, amidst a fierce counterattack by US forces and the Army of the Saigon regime. The latter aimed to regain control of the ancient citadel to strengthen their position at the negotiating table.
The narrative centers on Cuong, a conservatory student who forsakes an overseas scholarship to join the army. He fights alongside his squadmates—Ta, Binh, Tu, Hai, and Sen—each from different regions, united by their shared aspiration for peace despite their contrasting personalities.
As intense battles take their toll, the film portrays haunting scenes: soldiers buried in the earth, mangled bodies, and perilous river crossings that evoke tears. The “red rain” motif symbolizes the sacrifices and bloodshed of a generation devoted to their homeland.
Inclusion on the eligible list marks a significant milestone, confirming that Red Rain meets the technical, runtime, and Academy requirements for the International Feature category. It also presents Vietnamese cinema with a valuable opportunity to gain global recognition and compete for one of the world’s most prestigious film awards.
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