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Vietnamese Film Receives 5-Minute Standing Ovation at Cannes Film Festival

At the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, the global premiere of the Vietnamese film 'Ben Trong Vo Ken Vang' (Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell) in the Directors' Fortnight section was met with a rapturous five-minute standing ovation from the audience on Wednesday afternoon (France time). This is the first time a film from Vietnam is competing at the festival.

Administrator

1 June, 2023

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Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell, a film competing for the Camera d’Or Award in the Directors’ Fortnight section of the Cannes Film Festival, premiered at 4:45 pm in France. This movie is one of 18 contenders vying for the prestigious accolade.

Directed by Pham Thien An, the film follows the emotional journey of a young man named Thien, who is tasked with transporting his sister-in-law’s body to their rural hometown after a devastating motorcycle accident.

Amid the mystical landscapes of rural Vietnam, Thien sets out on a quest to uncover the truth behind his older brother’s mysterious disappearance years ago. Embarking on this journey, he must confront his deepest fears and insecurities to find the answers he seeks.

As the debut screening of the movie came to a close after three hours on Wednesday, the theater was filled with thunderous applause that lasted an impressive five minutes. The audience, overwhelmed with emotion, rose to their feet to show their appreciation for the film.

According to AP News, a five-minute standing ovation is a dream response in most places around the globe, although it may be rather subdued in Cannes.

For An Nguyen, a Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reader, the standing ovation he witnessed stirred up deep emotions within him. The enthusiastic response was enough to move him to tears, and it will be a moment he won’t soon forget.

“This can be viewed as a moment of glory for Vietnam at Cannes,” declared An, a triumphant exclamation that highlighted the country’s success at the renowned film festival.

The crowd was in awe of the incredible work he had done and were eager to hear his words.

A number of enthusiastic foreigners erupted into cheers as the spotlight was directed toward director Pham Thien An. The crowd was in awe of the incredible work he had done and were eager to hear his words.

The yellow cocoon shell symbolizes her inner strength and courage, as she is about to break free from the boundaries of life and discover her true identity.

A scene of Vietnamese movie ‘Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell’

An Nguyen added that he had held the belief that the few minutes of applause received at major film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, and Berlin were likely fabricated, as it seemed implausible to have such a protracted standing ovation.

Upon experiencing the five-minute applause for ‘Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell’ firsthand, he came to understand the sincere admiration for cinema showcased at renowned film festivals.

“I am absolutely delighted by the overwhelmingly positive reception that this film has received,” exclaimed An Nguyen. “I am truly thrilled to be able to experience such an enthralling and uniquely Vietnamese movie!”

The cast and crew of Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell were met with cheers of delight as they greeted the audiences in both Vietnamese and French.

They are scheduled to attend two more screenings of the movie, along with Q&A sessions with audiences, on Thursday and Friday.
The moviegoers will have the opportunity to hear first-hand from the production crew and ask questions about the film.

Immediately following the Wednesday screening, reviews of the Vietnamese film emerged on prominent film-focused websites such as IndieWire and Screen Daily.

IndieWire described the Vietnamese drama Quest for Transcendence as “hypnotizing,” while Variety Magazine positioned it as part of “the Southeast Asian New Wave in the global film industry.” Boasting captivating storytelling and striking cinematography, this film has been highly praised and is a must-see for any fan of international cinema.

It was established in 1969 by the French Film Directors’ Guild as an alternative to the official Cannes selection.

The Directors’ Fortnight, known in French as Quinzaine des Réalisateurs, is an independent selection held in parallel to the Cannes Film Festival. Established in 1969 by the French Film Directors’ Guild, it was created as an alternative to the official Cannes selection, offering a platform for filmmakers to showcase their work. Through its long-standing history, the Directors’ Fortnight has become an essential event for the discovery of new talent and films, as well as a major stop in the international film calendar.

The movie, shot entirely in one take, follows a woman in her 50s as she struggles to make a living and finds meaning in her life. With a limited amount of resources, she must make difficult decisions that will ultimately shape her future. As she faces her own personal challenges, she must also confront the obstacles of an unforgiving society.

Director Pham Thien An won the prestigious Illy Prize at the 2019 Cannes Film Festival for his one-take movie, ‘Hay Thuc Tinh Va San Sang’ (Stay Awake, Be Ready). This captivating film follows the story of a woman in her 50s, who is struggling to make a living and find purpose in her life. Shot entirely in one take, the movie showcases An’s extraordinary filmmaking talents and won the hearts of the jury at Cannes. The jury was enthralled by An’s unique approach to storytelling, and his ability to convey emotion with a single take. His work was lauded for its ingenuity and the powerful message it conveys. The Illy Prize is a testament to An’s remarkable talent, and a fitting recognition of the impact his film has had on audiences around the world.

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