Lunar New Year Film Season 2026 (Year of the Horse):

The Lunar New Year film season of 2026 (Year of the Horse) presents a vibrant cinematic landscape with many distinct developments.

Besides the return of familiar directors and brands that created a box office "golden season" at the beginning of the year, this year's race also sees the emergence of new faces and many fresh projects in terms of themes and storytelling. This creates momentum for Vietnamese cinema to enter the new year with the aspiration to break through.

A scene from the film "The Scent of Pho" by director Minh Beta.

Adding a "breath of fresh air" to Vietnamese films.

As usual, the Lunar New Year film season continues to be a "golden opportunity" for cinemas nationwide. Welcoming the Year of the Horse 2026, many familiar faces in filmmaking are set to return on the first day of the Lunar New Year (February 17, 2026), bringing a series of works expected to create a major draw at the box office.

Tran Thanh, a name synonymous with box office records during the Lunar New Year film season, is featured this year in the drama "Tho Oi!" (Oh, Little Rabbit!), a psychological romance film. The movie brings together a large cast of actors making their big screen debut, including Phao, LyLy, Van Mai Huong, Vinh Dam, Quynh Anh Shyn, Ali Hoang Duong, and Phap Kieu…

In a different approach, director Truong Giang returns with "My Father's House, One Room," exploring the story of a father and son in a cramped living space where generational differences clash directly. Everyday activities become the catalyst for conflict, while also opening up a journey of dialogue and understanding, thereby reflecting the image of a modern Vietnamese family with an increasingly clear need for listening and sharing. Meanwhile, director Le Thanh Son's "Heavenly Treasure" marks the reunion of Phuong Anh Dao and Tuan Tran after the "blockbuster" "Mai."

This year's film season also marks the emergence of a new face – director Minh Beta, with his film "The Scent of Pho". This is Minh Beta's directorial debut, and also marks the first time artist Xuan Hinh has accepted a role in a feature film. The combination of charming Northern Vietnamese folk elements and a modern storytelling style is expected to provide a "spiritual treat" that is both familiar and profound for the beginning of the new year.

The biggest surprise of the 2026 Lunar New Year film season comes from "Legend of the Night Marsh" - a historical drama produced by Hanoi Radio and Television, scheduled to premiere on February 10th. The fact that a historical and cultural work, inspired by the legend of Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung, is officially joining the Lunar New Year film race is considered a noteworthy "breakthrough." Not only is it the only historical drama to be released this Lunar New Year, "Legend of the Night Marsh" also marks the first time this famous love story from Vietnamese folklore has been adapted for the big screen, coinciding with Valentine's Day (February 14th) and the Lunar New Year.

Besides theatrical releases, Lunar New Year comedy films broadcast on television and digital platforms continue to play a significant role in the cultural and spiritual lives of viewers. Familiar brands such as "The Rich Man from the Countryside," "The Village of Unmarried Women," "Spring Fortune 5," and the folk comedy series "Laughing Under the Village Roof," featuring many veteran artists such as People's Artist Trung Hieu, People's Artist Quoc Anh, People's Artist Bui Bai Binh, Meritorious Artist Quang Thang, Meritorious Artist Tien Quang, along with artists Thu Huong, Ho Lien, etc., continue to be released, meeting the demand for lighthearted, relatable entertainment that evokes a warm and joyful atmosphere during the New Year.

The driving force behind the breakthrough in cinema.

While in previous years, Lunar New Year films were often labeled "safe," revolving around the familiar comedy-family formula, the 2026 Lunar New Year film season presents a more diverse picture. From psychological dramas, family stories, and culinary themes to historical tales, the richness of genres reflects filmmakers' efforts to innovate and appeal to different audience groups. Therefore, this year's competition is not just about box office revenue, but also a contest of identity, personality, and artistic flair.

Director Tran Thanh believes that the large and diverse gathering of films is a positive sign. "If all the films are good, then everyone wins," the veteran director of the Lunar New Year film season expressed. Meanwhile, according to artist Xuan Hinh, Lunar New Year films need to go beyond simply making people laugh to reach more enduring values. For him, participating in the "Scent of Pho" project stems from a responsibility of someone deeply connected to traditional culture. "Pho is the soul and essence of the nation. Through cinema, young people will love their national culture even more, and that's enough," artist Xuan Hinh stated.

Meanwhile, "Legend of Dạ Trạch" opens a different direction for Lunar New Year films by choosing historical and legendary material. The General Director of Hanoi Radio and Television, Nguyen Kim Khiem, emphasized that this is a cultural and creative project aimed at spreading national identity in a contemporary context. According to him, Vietnamese history is not dry; the important thing lies in the way it is told. When conveyed through modern cinematic language, stories about our origins can completely touch the emotions of young audiences.

Regarding Lunar New Year comedy films, director Tran Binh Trong frankly acknowledges the difficulties arising from an increasingly saturated market. However, this necessitates greater seriousness and creativity from those in the profession. He attributes the consistent production of series like "The Down-to-Earth Tycoon" and "The Village of Unmarried Women" over the years to the trust of the audience and the support of the artists.

The Lunar New Year film season of 2026 (Year of the Horse) shows a remarkable shift in Vietnamese cinema. The fierce competition doesn't shrink the market; instead, it promises to create momentum for innovation, stimulate creativity, and open up positive directions for Vietnamese films right from the beginning of the year.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/mua-phim-tet-binh-ngo-2026-dong-luc-de-dien-anh-viet-but-pha-731197.html