Hanoi Radio and Television began filming "Huyen Tinh Da Trach" in 7/2025. The historical fantasy film, inspired by the enduring legend of Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung, aims to bring Vietnamese culture closer to audiences, especially young people. Its release is anticipated on 10/2.

Xuan Phuc portrays Chu Dong Tu, a poor laborer from the Van Lang era. His character's design features facial tattoos, a feathered hat, and jewelry, a costume worn during a significant ceremony in the film. The 34-year-old actor has appeared in "Lat Mat", "Trai Tim Co Nang", and "Tu Chien Tren Khong". Le Tran Thanh Tam stars opposite him as Princess Tien Dung. Her character sports blackened teeth and a wrapped skirt. A third-year student at Hanoi University of Theater and Cinema, Thanh Tam is a new face in the industry.

Ton Van directs the film, known for series like "Vi Tinh Yeu Ha Noi" and "Ha Noi Trong Mat Em". Vu Liem, screenwriter of "Doi Dieu Tra So 7" and "Doc Dao", penned the script. Nguyen Thanh Phong, the artist behind "Long Than Tuong" and "Sat Thu Dau Mung Mu", serves as art director. The film is set in the Red River delta, specifically Khoai Chau district, Hung Yen province—home to Da Hoa and Da Trach temples—and Chu Xa village, Gia Lam, Hanoi, all locations tied to the Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung legend.

The teaser showcases various cultural elements of the Van Lang era, including wrapping banh chung, weaving fabric, and chewing betel. It also glimpses the first encounter between Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung. Supporting roles, such as King Hung and his wife, played by artists Trong Trinh and Chieu Xuan, are also featured.

Xuan Phuc as Chu Dong Tu. *Photo: Film crew provided*

The legend of Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung is a familiar story to many Vietnamese generations. "Linh Nam Chinh Quai", a collection of Vietnamese folk tales and legends, includes this story under the name "Nhat Da Trach" (the pond formed overnight). The 18th King Hung Vuong had a beautiful daughter, Tien Dung, who preferred traveling and refused marriage.

One day, while bathing by the river, Tien Dung encountered Chu Dong Tu, a poor young man without clothes. Believing their meeting was fate, Tien Dung decided to marry him, despite royal customs and her father's disapproval. They lived simply, ran a small business, and aided local villagers. Chu Dong Tu also pursued spiritual studies, attained enlightenment, and shared his wisdom with his wife.

Thanh Tam as Princess Tien Dung. *Photo: Film crew provided*

Eventually, when King Hung sought to intervene, believing the couple defied tradition, Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung, along with their followers, transformed and ascended to the sky, leaving behind the area known as Dam Da Trach.

Ha Thu