HCMC – Varan Documentary Film Screening Series

28 and 29 Nov 2016
The American Center
8 Floor, Diamond Plaza, 34 Le Duan, Dist 1, HCMC

From the organizer:

Come join our kick-off session of the Varan documentary film screening series. Varan workshop on documentary filmmaking in the style of direct cinema has birthed 8 films. Those 8 films have brought together a contemporary picture of Ho Chi Minh city from a variety of interesting perspectives.

English subtitles are available. Following the screening, we will have an open discussion with the filmmakers and the main characters.

Screening #1:Monday, November 28, 2:00 – 4:30pm

“Below the Boulevard” by Nguyen Khanh Ly and “Beautiful Beds” by Ha Le Diem
“Below The Boulevard” (Bên Dưới Đại Lộ), which portrays the life of a 60-year-old disabled veteran living on a boat on the Saigon river and his hope for a better future for his little daughter. We will also screen “Beautiful Beds” (Giường Xinh), which tells the story of two men whose jobs are delivering and assembling furniture and their dreams of having their own families.

Screening #2: Monday, November 28, 5:00 – 7:00pm

“Summer! Attention” by Le Thu Minh and “Immortal Angel” by Nguyen Thu Huong
Join us for the two screenings of “Summer! Attention” (Mùa Hè Nghiêm) and “Immortal Angel” (Thiên Thần Bất Tử). While the first film highlights summer activities and the spirit of community service, the latter portrays a monumental rocker and his bandmates in their never-ending love for rock.

Screening #3: Tuesday, November 29, 2:00 – 4:00pm

“The Pastor’s Wife” by Bella Tran and “Far Far Away” by Ho Anh Vu
Attend the screening of two documentary movies about two women of different religious beliefs that share the same passion for charity and community service. “The Pastor’s Wife” (Bà Mục Sư) features the wife of a church pastor and her role as a life therapist supporting women who need help, while “Far Far Away…” (Chuyện Kể Rằng…) portrays a pagoda nun who provides free medical treatment services for visitors, turning her pagoda into a haven in bustling Ho Chi Minh City.

Screening #4: Tuesday, November 29, 5:00 – 7:00pm

“Rise like a Phoenix” by Le My Cuong and “Taste of the Night” by Cao Trung Thao
We will see portraits of the Saigonese people through a traditional alley coffee shop in “Taste of the Night” (Vị Của Đêm). We will also see how a person’s different identities come out through Wacking dance and Drag Queen performances in “Rise like a Phoenix” (Lộng Lẫy).

Free admission. Remember to bring your ID card.