The Star Nhà Ease Film Festival attracts both Vietnamese and British audiences. (Photo: Phong Ha/ VNA)

Co-organized by Director Tuyet Van Huynh and a team of young Vietnamese and Southeast Asian film curators, the second season of Star Nhà Ease takes the Đổi mới (renewal) era as its theme in showcasing Vietnamese films never screened in the UK before.

The opening ceremony featured the premiere of Hát giữa chiều mưa (Singing in a rainy afternoon) by director Tran Phuong, a film that has been archived for 35 years, since 1990, and a screening of the music video For the Honour by British-Vietnamese artist Jianbo.

Poster of the film "Hát giữa chiều mưa" by Director Tran Phuong (Photo: Phong Ha/VNA)

Director Huynh said: “Star Nha Ease launched in 2024 and it's the first Vietnamese film festival in the UK.  In 2024 we saw many people come to the cinema to watch Vietnamese films from the Vietnamese lens. Many people attended, some people laughed, some people cried. That was a big motivation to bring season two to the UK. This year we're focusing on the Đổi mới era, the renovation period, where it's fun, rebellious and lots of joy.” 

The festival will run from July to August in London, Birmingham, and Manchester, and will include live music, poetry, workshops, and art exhibitions.

People watch the Rewind and Reframe Exhibition. (Photo: Phong Ha/ VNA)

Film curator Austin Tran said: “I found out about this festival through social media. I decided to attend because I have Vietnamese roots. My grandparents and my mum are Vietnamese. I wanted to find out more about Vietnam through this film. It's the first time I've ever seen the Vietnamese film. I’m blown away by the artistry and the depth of talent and stories all around Vietnam."

Other films to be screened at the festival are Gái Nhảy (Bar Girls, 2002), Children of the Mist (2021), and Vị Đắng Tình Yêu (The Bitterness of Love). A festival highlight is an exhibition called Rewind and Reframe, from now to August 13, displaying limited editions of redesigned Vietnamese movie posters, which will be auctioned off following the exhibition. All proceeds will go to future seasons of Star Nhà Ease.