Vietnamese Director Wins Best International Film at Chinese Film Festival
Vietnamese director Pham Thien An has been honored with the Roberto Rossellini prize for best international film at the Pingyao International Film Festival in China. His movie Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell impressed the festival judges, earning him the prestigious award.
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell tells the poignant story of Thien, who is entrusted with the task of taking his sister-in-law’s body back to their countryside hometown following a tragic motorcycle accident in Sai Gon. Alongside his five-year-old nephew Dao, who survived miraculously, Thien embarks on a journey to find his long-lost brother.
Director Pham Thien An dedicated four years to complete this emotionally-charged film, with shooting taking place in 2020, 2021, and 2022. The movie’s outstanding storytelling and cinematography were recognized earlier this year when it won the Caméra d’Or Award at the Cannes Film Festival, defeating 17 other competitors in the Directors Fortnight’s category.
Born in Lam Dong province, Pham Thien An graduated in Information Technology from Lotus University in Ho Chi Minh City. He has already made a name for himself in the film industry, winning awards such as the 48 Hours Film Project and the CJ Short Film Making Project. After relocating to the United States in 2015, An continued to work as a freelance filmmaker, displaying his creativity and talent on an international stage.
The Pingyao International Film Festival aims to celebrate outstanding achievements in international cinema while also promoting the works of young Chinese directors. Since its inception in 2017, the festival has successfully showcased diverse and thought-provoking films. This year, the seventh edition of the festival honored Pham Thien An and other talented directors from around the world.
In addition to the international award won by Pham Thien An, the festival recognized Lkhagvadulam Purev-Ochir of Mongolia for City of Wind, naming him the best director. Wei Shujun’s Only the River Flows received the Fei Mu prize for best Chinese film, displaying the diversity and quality of films showcased at the festival.
The Pingyao International Film Festival continues to elevate the artistry and cultural exchange within the industry, reinforcing its position as a prominent platform for filmmakers and audiences alike. Through this recognition, talented directors like Pham Thien An are given a global stage to share their stories and captivate viewers with their unique perspectives.
As the film industry continues to evolve, it is essential to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary talents that contribute to its growth. Pham Thien An’s success serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers worldwide and reinforces the importance of cross-cultural collaborations in the world of cinema.
With each accolade, Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell solidifies its position as a powerful and impactful work of art, touching the hearts of audiences and leaving a lasting impression. The profound storytelling, combined with Pham Thien An’s directorial prowess, has undoubtedly earned him a well-deserved place among the brightest names in international cinema.
