Vietnamese thriller scoops New York Film Fest prize

During the online ceremony on July 12, festival organizers awarded the winners of 10 different categories, including documentaries, musicals, and short films. 'Nguoi Lang Nghe: Loi Thi Tham', beating over 12 movies from other countries, was awarded the Best Feature Micro-Budget Under $250,000 prize.

Earlier this month, it won three awards at Asia Film Art International Film Festival (AFAIFF), including Best Actress, while two extra prizes (Special Mention) were given to the film and actor Quang Su.

A still from the movie. Photo courtesy of 'Nguoi Lang Nghe: Loi Thi Tham'.

The movie, directed by Khoa Nguyen, was scheduled for release in Vietnam in March, but the plan was postponed due to the pandemic.

The film revolves around main character An Nhien (played by Oanh Kieu) - a young writer. After completing the novel 'Listener', she is repeatedly attacked by a "ghost", causing her a mental crisis. The character overcomes her obsession by drawing strange shapes, thereby gradually revealing An Nhien's hidden past.

International New York Film Festival honors movies with potential commercial success and artistic merit. It gives independent filmmakers, actors, and scriptwriters the opportunity to introduce their brainchildren to the world.