Vietnamese Films Win International Awards in 2025
1. Quán Kỳ Nam
Director: Leon Lê
One of the most critically acclaimed Vietnamese films of 2025, Quán Kỳ Nam gained international attention for its nostalgic atmosphere, emotional storytelling, and visually rich cinematography. Set in post-war Saigon, the film follows the quiet relationship between two lonely individuals whose lives unexpectedly intertwine inside an old traditional inn. Known for blending romance with themes of memory and loss, the film showcases Leon Lê’s continued interest in Vietnamese cultural identity and cinematic aesthetics.
The film received the Kau Ka Hōkū Award at the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) and later won the Gold Award for Cinematography from the Australian Cinematographers Society (ACS), with critics particularly praising its visual language and period recreation.
https://youtu.be/Yp4rAlwY0Xo?si=MzPNr15-7EziAADt
2. Lật Mặt 8
Director: Lý Hải
Continuing one of Vietnam’s most commercially successful action franchises, Lật Mặt 8 once again combines large-scale action sequences with family-centered emotional storytelling. While plot details remain relatively under wraps, the film reportedly explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and survival through high-stakes conflicts and fast-paced chase sequences.
Over the years, director Lý Hải has transformed the Lật Mặt series into a major local box office phenomenon, proving that Vietnamese commercial films can consistently attract both domestic and international audiences. In 2025, the film won Best Vietnamese Feature Film at the San Francisco International New Concept Film Festival (SFNCFF), highlighting the growing global visibility of Vietnam’s mainstream cinema industry.
https://youtu.be/9Rj2V8qvKoc?si=REQTd3tbigTYSq7u
3. Hair, Paper, Water…
Director: Trương Minh Quý
Known for his experimental and poetic filmmaking style, Trương Minh Quý continued to push creative boundaries with Hair, Paper, Water…, a meditative film exploring memory, identity, and human connection through fragmented storytelling and striking imagery. The film blends realism with dreamlike sequences, creating an emotionally immersive viewing experience that resonated strongly with international festival audiences.
The project won the Golden Leopard in the Filmmakers of the Present category at the 2025 Locarno Film Festival (LFF), one of the most prestigious awards ever received by a contemporary Vietnamese arthouse production.
https://youtu.be/WSmQQ00A8Vk?si=e_Y-BgHGrzZmNnCA
4. RIPE
Director: Solara Thanh Bình Đặng
RIPE is a short film that reflects on youth, emotional vulnerability, and the quiet tension between personal desire and social expectations. Through intimate cinematography and minimal dialogue, the film captures moments of emotional transformation in a subtle yet powerful way.
The project received a Special Mention in the National Short Film Competition at the 2025 Festival du nouveau cinéma (FNC), further highlighting the emergence of young Vietnamese filmmakers in international independent cinema.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKd4JsOQikM&pp=ygUfUklQRSBTb2xhcmEgVGhhbmggQsOsbmggxJDhurduZw%3D%3D
5. TRUE LOVE
Director: Huỳnh Công Nhớ
Blending realism with emotional introspection, true love explores modern relationships, loneliness, and the fragile nature of intimacy in contemporary urban life. The film’s restrained storytelling and naturalistic performances helped it stand out among regional independent productions.
The short film earned the Jury’s Special Mention in the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition at the 2025 Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), one of Southeast Asia’s most respected film events.
https://youtu.be/EvnHA4uC8P8?si=ZCBk647DTsnfmKFm
6. Before the Sea Forgets
Director: Lê Ngọc Duy
Before the Sea Forgets tells a deeply reflective story centered on memory, distance, and emotional healing. Using the sea as both a literal and symbolic backdrop, the film examines how people confront grief and reconnect with forgotten parts of themselves.
The project also received the Jury’s Special Mention in the Southeast Asian Short Film Competition at the 2025 Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF), reinforcing the growing strength of Vietnamese short-form storytelling on the regional festival circuit.
https://youtu.be/mBi_vvu81PQ?si=T3-A5hjvNrpI_Ix4
In 2026, Vietnamese cinema continues to expand, with diverse projects spanning multiple genres, from commercial blockbusters to independent, auteur-driven productions. Some highly anticipated upcoming films include Guardian of the Spirits, A “Good” Best Luck, Detective Kien 2, and several other projects expected to further strengthen Vietnam’s presence in both domestic and international cinema markets.