Two Vietnamese films received four official nominations at the ASEAN International Film Festival.

On the evening of August 2, the opening ceremony of the ASEAN International Film Festival & Awards (AIFFA) 2023 took place on Kuching Island, Sarawak, Malaysia.

At the opening ceremony, the organizing committee announced the list of nominations for the official award categories.

Nominated categories of "Memento Mori: Earth". Photo: BTC.

Two representatives of Vietnamese cinema received four nominations. Of these, the film "Memento Mori: Land" by director Marcus Manh Cuong Vu received two nominations for the categories of Best Actress (Nguyen Hai Yen - Red) and Best Picture (Tran Ngoc Khuyen).

The film "Brilliant Dark Night" by director Aaron Toronto also received two nominations for the categories: Best Screenplay (Nha Uyen, Aaron Toronto) and Best Supporting Actress (Kim B).

Nominated categories of "Brilliant Dark Night". Photo: Organizing Committee.

The most important award category – Best Film of AIFFA 2023 is divided equally among 7 other films from Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines.

Previously, the jury selected from more than 120 films registered to find a list of 34 films that entered the official competition round.

Film Festival Director Livan Tajang expressed her excitement, saying that all the shortlisted films demonstrate excellence and richness in cinematic storytelling.

The directors of the 34 films all excel at exploring difficult subject matter, with distinct nuances and astonishing authenticity.

According to Ms. Livan Tajang, these films are a testament to the incredible talent and dedication of all the directors and crew.

Hong Anh with members of the jury and Mr. Datuk Sebastian Ting Chiew Yew - Deputy Minister of Tourism , Creative Industries and Performing Arts Sarawak, Malaysia (in black shirt standing in the middle). Photo: NVCC.

Previously, during the first direct working session at the Film Festival, director and actress Hong Anh gave the four remaining members of the jury a cultural gift from Vietnam, a checkered scarf.

When asked about the meaning of the gift, Hong Anh said: “In Vietnam, the scarf is a symbol of cultural exchange and is used by many different ethnic groups. It also has spiritual meaning, symbolizing peace and luck.

Therefore, scarves are widely used and treasured as a special gift, not only for their fashion style but also for their hidden good meanings.

This gift is small, but in my opinion, it is in line with the criteria that AIFFA is pursuing. That is to honor and enrich the cultural colors of the ASEAN region, not only in the scope of cinema".

The Gala Night and Awards Ceremony of the 2023 ASEAN International Film Festival will be held on August 4.

Source: http://www.baogiaothong.vn/hai-phim-viet-nhan-4-de-cu-chinh-thuc-o-lien-hoan-phim-quoc-te-asean-d599403.html