First Vietnamese films scheduled to be in cinemas after lockdown

Rung The Mang (Lost in the Jungle), a psychological thriller by Vietnamese filmmakers, will be in cinemas on December 31.

A scene from the thriller (Photo: producer)

The film is by blockbuster director Tran Huu Tan.

It was scheduled to be released in June and was postponed after cinemas in Hanoi and HCM City, the two biggest markets in the country, closed on May 3 when the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic returned in late April.

Rung The Mang features a group of trekkers who walk on mountains in Ta Nang-Phan Dung, a famous destination for travellers located in the provinces of Lam Dong, Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan.

It portrays Kien, who becomes lost alone in the forest and has to fight for survival.

Director Tan invited young actors such as Thanh Truc and Thuy Anh to play the lead roles. Celebrated artist Huu Chau is also included.

“My film is based on true stories. Rather than blood and tears, it highlights honesty and bravery,” said Tan, who is also a professional trekker.

“I hope Rung The Mang will cause my career to reach new heights.”

Tan’s film was the first Vietnamese film scheduled for screening in HCM City after five months of social distancing.

HCM City and southern provinces allowed many activities, markets, supermarkets and services to reopen on October 1. However, cinemas were still not on the list.

“Vietnamese films are ready to go back to the cinema after being suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Tan.

Another production, Bay Ngot Ngao (Sweet Trap), by female director Dinh Ha Uyen Thu, is also scheduled for release in mid-December to celebrate Christmas and the New Year.

The film features topics about love and women.

It includes pop idol Bao Anh, singer-movie actresses Minh Hang and Dieu Nhi who are expected to guarantee the film’s financial success.

“We spent several hundred million dong on marketing and advertising our production in local media,” said actress Minh Hằng, who is also the film’s producer.

“We hope our film will be shown soon in cinemas to entertain audiences during the big holiday at Christmas and New Year,” she added.

Cinemas owners and film producers, such as Thiên Ngân (Galaxy) Studio, BHD, CJ CGV and Lotte, are ready to reopen their cinemas in HCM City.

They have encouraged audiences to purchase tickets online and comply with the health ministry’s healthcare rules outside and inside cinemas. All of their employees who work in cinemas have been fully vaccinated./.

VNA