The film 'The Old Woman Who Went on the Run' is still not ready for release; what does the Film Department say about this?

Despite receiving positive attention and reviews after its release at the end of September, "The Old Woman on the Run" has yet to have a commercial theatrical release. According to Mr. Vi Kien Thanh, this has sparked debate about whether state-funded films generate revenue, only serving as free screenings at film weeks or festivals.

Director of the Vietnam Film Department, Vi Kien Thanh.

He also cited the case of the film "Peach, Pho and Piano" – a rare state-funded film that was released on a trial basis and achieved an impressive revenue of 23 billion VND, proving that state-funded films still have appeal if they are properly invested in and released.

However, Mr. Thanh also acknowledged loopholes in current regulations regarding the distribution and dissemination of films funded by the State budget. There is still a lack of specific regulations to allow these films to reach commercial theaters, leading to many works being limited to restricted screenings.

In light of this situation, the Film Department has proposed the development of a new regulatory framework, opening up opportunities for wider distribution of films funded by the State budget.

"The Old Woman on the Run" is adapted from the short story of the same name by writer Nguyen Ngoc Tu, directed by Tran Chi Thanh and written by Phi Tien Son. The film had its premiere on September 27th at the National Film Center with a cast including Meritorious Artist Minh Trang, Tiet Cuong, Thuy Diem and Pham Hy.

The story revolves around Mrs. Nam, a mother from the Mekong Delta with four grown children. Despite sacrificing her entire life for them, she faces loneliness in her old age. Her yearning to live for herself is thwarted by her children, and when they finally understand the true meaning of the freedom their mother sought, Mrs. Nam breathes her last.

Meritorious Artist Minh Trang plays the role of Mrs. Nam in "The Old Woman Who Goes on the Run". Photo: Organizing Committee.

The film touches upon the feelings of Vietnamese mothers, who always stand behind their families, sometimes losing themselves in the process.

The emotional success, coupled with the regret over the lack of wider audience reach, is one of the reasons why "The Old Lady Who Went on the Run" has become a focal point of discussion in the film industry recently.

Will this be a wake-up call to bring about changes in state-run film distribution policies in the future?

Van Anh

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/phim-ba-gia-di-bui-chua-the-ra-rap-cuc-dien-anh-noi-gi-post315178.html