The film, directed by Le Van Kiet, known for 'Hai Phuong', is currently in the casting phase. A representative from the distributor stated that the script not only portrays the heroic figure but also paints a portrait of a vibrant, 13-year-old girl.

Poster for 'Dat Do' features the tagline: 'A flower falls, a legend lives on.' *Photo courtesy of the film crew*

The film explores Vo Thi Sau's childhood, including her years in the Long My war zone and Ba Ria base, where children faced the era's upheaval. It also delves into her journey to becoming a member of the Dat Do assault police unit. The prison settings are recreated through the oppressive spaces of 'tiger cages' and 'cow cages'. Le Van Kiet explained that his cinematic approach is rooted in realism "while maintaining personal emotional depth".

Producers are holding open auditions in Ho Chi Minh City and the former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province. The actress cast as Vo Thi Sau needs a bright face, a healthy physique, sharp eyes, and a height of 1,5 to 1,62 m. The film crew also announced other roles: Hai, a prisoner who escaped Con Dao; Lan, Sau's close friend; and Chi, a young woman in the assault police unit with a tragic past. The project is scheduled to begin filming in Q3 and will be released in 2027, commemorating the 75th anniversary of hero Vo Thi Sau's passing (1952-2027).

A portrait of hero Vo Thi Sau, restored by the artist group 'Vietnamese Soldier's Heart' in 2025. *Photo courtesy of the organizers*

Martyr Vo Thi Sau was born in 1933 in Dat Do district (former Ba Ria - Vung Tau province). At 14, she joined the district police unit as a scout, carrying out missions to 'destroy traitors and eliminate villains'. Between 1948 and 1949, she participated in several raids, including throwing grenades at a rally in Dat Do market and eliminating Cai tong Tong. Some documents suggest she was arrested in 2/1950, after she and her comrades used grenades to attack the Canh Dan Lunar New Year market. Despite being brutally tortured for one month at Dat Do prison, then transferred to Chi Hoa detention center, she refused to confess. In 1951, the French colonialists sentenced her to death and sent her to Con Dao, where she was executed on the morning of 23/1/1952.

Many artistic works have drawn inspiration from the life of hero Vo Thi Sau. Her image was featured in the song 'Grateful to Sister Vo Thi Sau' by musician Nguyen Duc Toan in 1958. In 1995, Ho Chi Minh City Television Film Studio released the film 'Like a Legend', reenacting her life. The film 'The Girl from Dat Do', directed by Le Dan, also drew inspiration from hero Vo Thi Sau, with artist Thanh Thuy in the lead role.

Excerpt from the film 'The Girl from Dat Do', directed by Le Dan. *Video: HTV*

Mai Nhat