The script is set in an old apartment complex slated for demolition. A group of teenagers discovers a C21 Diary notebook, a film camera, and an old photograph of the original junior special task force. The children’s curiosity leads them to seek the identities of the people in the picture, reawakening stories that have been dormant for many years.

In the project announcement poster, the scriptwriter introduces the professions of the old task force members: Minh To Cu (police officer), Son So (director), Quang Sot (university lecturer), Sang Beo (iced tea shop owner), Tuyet (entrepreneur), and Hanh (bank employee). Tung Quat lives abroad. The new special task force comprises Khoa, Linh, Phong, Khanh, My, and An, all of whom are quick-witted, tech-savvy, and eager to explore. Duc Thinh hopes the film will air in 2027, marking the 30th anniversary of the original "Doi Dac Nhiem Nha C21" production.

Poster introducing the new "Doi Dac Nhiem Nha C21" project. *Courtesy of the director*

Duc Thinh stated that the biggest challenge he faces is production funding. "After finalizing the script with input from writer Le Tan Hien, the author of the original book series, I will seek additional sponsorship. Many people have expressed willingness to contribute when they learned I am making the film," the director said. Duc Thinh plans to create a web series, but he hopes to find investors with sufficient resources for a television release.

He has nurtured the idea of a new "Doi Dac Nhiem Nha C21" for many years. In 2019, he cast and filmed a sequel based on writer Le Tan Hien's storyline, which the author supported. However, Duc Thinh encountered difficulties in recreating the setting of the old apartment complex and depicting life in the 1990s. This time, he developed an entirely new plot to suit a modern setting.

For Duc Thinh, the work represents a cherished memory linked to his youth and career, opening many new opportunities in his professional journey. Therefore, the director has always been determined to bring the series back. Additionally, he hopes to use the project to honor Thanh Hai, who played Tung Quat and passed away after a traffic accident.

Duc Thinh playing "Doi Dac Nhiem Nha C21" in 1997. *VFC*

"Doi Dac Nhiem Nha C21" is a 9-episode children's film, based on the book of the same name by writer Le Tan Hien, which aired in 1998. The film tells the story of five classmates passionate about investigation and crime-solving: Minh To Cu, Son So, Quang Sot, Sang Beo, and Tung Quat. The group formed a special task force to investigate mysterious cases, helping maintain order in their apartment complex and school. Later, the group recruited two female friends, Hanh and Tuyet. The work gained attention upon its release, becoming a part of many viewers' childhoods.

Duc Thinh at age 44. *Courtesy of the subject*

Duc Thinh was born in 1982 in Ha Noi. In 1997, during casting for the role of Son So, he convinced the producers with his martial arts skills and natural acting style, despite being three years older than the character. He moved to the South to pursue his career, joining singer Jimmii Nguyen's band. Duc Thinh has composed many songs, including "Sao em mai khoc", "Nguoi khong biet yeu", and "Tram nam khong quen".

He married in 2012 and has one son and one daughter. For many years, Duc Thinh has not acted in films, instead shifting his focus to songwriting, scriptwriting, directing, and producing. He was diagnosed with stage 2 lymphoma and underwent chemotherapy. Currently, the artist's health is stable.

Ha Thu