Director Dang Thai Huyen recently shared her feelings about "Red Rain" being included in the list of 86 eligible films for the best international feature film award at the 2026 oscars. Speaking on the sidelines of a film workshop on the morning of 25/11 in Ho Chi Minh City, she addressed the initial skepticism. Many opinions suggested the film's chances of advancing were "zero" when news of its preliminary selection emerged.

"A young film industry is like a tiny boy walking on a boulevard; even a small step forward is an achievement," Dang Thai Huyen stated. "We are clear-headed, not delusional; we know our place, but it is a joy."

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong explained the domestic council's decision during a workshop on 23/11. He noted that beyond the organizer's regulations, "Red Rain" was chosen for its artistic richness, in addition to its box office appeal and revenue. "Furthermore, the theme is also a matter of concern. The film reflects the concerns not only of the film industry but of the entire country," Ta Quang Dong added.

"Red Rain" is a strong contender for the golden lotus award at the 24th Vietnam film festival, which opened on the evening of 25/11. According to Dang Thai Huyen, this year's festival features many strong and consistently themed nominations from both state-owned and private productions. The 16 films competing for the most important award include Dia Dao, Tu Chien Tren Khong, Mai, Bo Tu Bao Thu, Tham Tu Kien, and Nu Hon Bac Ty.

The director expressed that winning an award would bring "overwhelming happiness for the crew." However, she believes the audience's reception has been the most precious reward. The project attracted 8,3 million viewers to cinemas, reaching audiences in remote, border, and island regions.

In the individual category for best director, Dang Thai Huyen stands out as a rare female figure among male colleagues such as Bui Thac Chuyen, Ham Tran, and Victor Vu. She believes all nominees are deserving. "Whether big or small, everyone contributes to the diverse landscape of Vietnamese cinema this year," she remarked.

In early december, "Red Rain" will have its international premiere at the Vietnam film week - journey of light in France. Organizers report that tickets for the film are in high demand, not enough to meet the demand of thousands of guests, and additional cinemas are expected to be arranged.

The crew appreciates the opportunity to screen the film abroad, allowing international audiences to learn more about the story of 81 days and nights defending the ancient citadel of Quang Tri. "Even if only one foreigner watches it, the film will have had a beautiful journey," the director said.

Written by Chu Lai, "Red Rain" is set in 1972, when the southern Vietnam liberation army had fully secured Quang Tri province, a region with a temporary dividing line between the south and north. Having lost a strategic base and facing the risk of losing Thua Thien province, the US supplemented weaponry for the army of the republic of Vietnam to counterattack and recapture Quang Tri, especially the ancient citadel area, to force them to sign a favorable agreement.

The film received meticulous investment from the pre-production stage, featuring grand settings and numerous large-scale battle scenes. While the producers did not disclose the exact investment figure, experts estimate the film's budget reached hundreds of billions of VND. The crew constructed a 50-hectare film set on the banks of the Thach Han river. During filming, the team utilized modern machinery and lighting systems, with the director of photography using up to seven cameras for many scenes.

Do Nhat Hoang (left) - the male lead - and the cast of 'Red Rain'. Photo: Film crew provided

After one month in cinemas, the film attracted 8,3 million viewers, making it the film with the largest viewership in domestic box office history. By 28/9, the film achieved a revenue of 710 billion VND, becoming the highest-grossing Vietnamese film. Colonel Nguyen Thu Dung, director of the people's army cinema and a representative of the producers, stated that the film's revenue "exceeded expectations." The crew is happy that the work transcended the boundaries of a film to become a cultural event, inspiring audiences.

The oscars, the annual awards of the academy of motion picture arts and sciences, are the world's most renowned and prestigious film event. The 98th awards ceremony will be broadcast on 15/3/2026. The shortlist for the best international feature film category will be announced on 16/12, and the five final nominations will be announced on 22/1/2026. Last march, Sean Baker's Anora won five awards, including best picture at the 97th event.

Mai Nhat