Vietnamese short wins award at Hanoi International Film Festival

Its director, Nguyen Pham Thanh Dat, said in his award acceptance speech on Saturday night: "The film tells the story of Pao, a Hmong boy who gets married at 14. When Pao turns 18 he falls in love for the first time and faces a choice between love and family responsibility.

"It is based on the true story of my best friend Pha, who is also the leading man in the film. To all of those who helped me make this film, thank you."

Giang A Pha, the actor in the movie, said he was happy and surprised by the award. Pha is an ethnic Hmong and did not face any trouble starring in a movie based on his own life.

"Khu Rung Cua Pao" competed with 19 other short films from various countries.

The Best Leading Actor award in the Feature-Length Film category was shared by seven actors in the Sri Lankan film "Maariya".

The film tells the story of six fishermen, Willie, Bennet, Anthony, Osca, Daiya, and Tenny. They meet Malan, who wants to enter Australia illegally by taking advantage of them.

The Best Feature-Length Film award was won by Brazilian film "Paloma". The titular character is a transgender woman who overcomes prejudices to find happiness.

The Best Feature-Length Film Award is given to Brazil's Paloma. Photo by VnExpress/Tung Dinh

The film addresses issues like gender discrimination and religious injustice against the LGBT community. For her portrayal of Paloma, Kiki Sena won the award for Best Leading Actress in the Feature-Length Film category.

Despite predictions of winning big at the festival, Iranian film "Bone Marrow" only claimed one award: Best Director for Hamid Reza Ghorbani.

HANIFF, held from November 8 to 12, featured 123 films from 56 countries and territories, including 22 from Vietnam. The biennial event has been held since 2010, with the 2020 edition being canceled due to Covid-19.