Xuan Lan and her husband, director Ngoc Lam, premiered their film "Cuoi Vo Cho Cha", which she produced, on 20/11 in Ho Chi Minh City (TP HCM). The former model expressed high hopes for this second theatrical project, especially after "Cai Gia Cua Hanh Phuc", released in 2024, suffered significant losses despite an investment of over 30 billion VND.

Xuan Lan discussed her experience following the failure of her debut film. Video: Mai Nhat

For Xuan Lan, the film's failure served as a crucial lesson, deepening her understanding of subject selection and audience preferences. This experience guides her in choosing stories that resonate more with viewers. The production team noted that the first film, which focused on marital tragedy, struggled to connect with many young viewers.

The team also gained valuable experience in market analysis and measurement before release. At the time of its premiere, "Cai Gia Cua Hanh Phuc" faced stiff competition from "Lat Mat 7", a film by Ly Hai that grossed over 480 billion VND, resulting in fewer screening slots for Xuan Lan’s movie.

For her new film, "Cuoi Vo Cho Cha", Xuan Lan opted for a psychological-comedy genre. The story centers on the father-son relationship between Ong Sau (artist Huu Chau) and Ut Tung (Truong Minh Thao). Ong Sau lives alone in the countryside after his wife's passing, while his son works in the city. Preoccupied with earning a living, the son frequently finds excuses to avoid visiting home. One day, angered by his son's absence from his mother's death anniversary, Ong Sau falls. During his visit, Ut Tung gradually realizes the deep conflicts and generational gaps in their perspectives on life. The tension escalates when his father pressures him to marry a girl from their village.

Artist Huu Chau co-stars with Hong Van, portraying a Western-style love story in the film "Cuoi Vo Cho Cha". Photo: Kieng Can

"Cuoi Vo Cho Cha" features a more relatable script, less challenging for viewers, and carries a T13 rating (prohibiting viewers under 13 years old). Director Ngoc Lam spent nine months writing the draft but remained unsatisfied, feeling it lacked compelling details about life in the Mekong Delta. Subsequently, Xuan Lan provided her husband with the script for "Cuoi Vo Cho Ai", a popular play from the Idecaf stage. He decided to draw inspiration from the play, centering the film on a family message and posing the question: "How long has it been since you called your parents in the countryside?"

Trailer for "Cuoi Vo Cho Cha". Video: Film crew provided

Xuan Lan, 47 years old, was a renowned model before becoming a catwalk director. She belongs to the early generation of models, earning the moniker "Vietnam's Kate Moss". She served as a judge for Vietnam's Next Top Model in 2011, 2012, and 2014. In addition to her role as a catwalk director, Xuan Lan has appeared in several films and television series, including "Nhung Co Gai Chan Dai", "Toc Roi", "Nguoi Mau", "Vua San Co", "Bep Cua Me Tiem Banh Hoang Tu Be", and performed in numerous plays at the Idecaf stage for many years.

She experienced one divorce before marrying director Ngoc Lam in early 2020. She has a daughter from a previous relationship, named Tho. Ngoc Lam previously produced numerous overseas music programs before venturing into cinema, collaborating with director Ham Tran.

Mai Nhat