Vietnamese International Film Festival to open in Irvine

The Vietnamese International Film Festival 2007 (ViFF) is set to open reflecting the lives of Vietnamese around the world via the eyes of filmmakers. ViFF 2007 will open with the world premiere of the martial arts drama, The Rebel, directed by Charlie Nguyen on April 12 and close with the feature debut, Owl and the Sparrow, directed by Stephane Gauger. A Spotlight Program on will showcase screenwriter, Nguyen Thi Minh Ngoc, whose work is featured in the film Song trong so hai (Living in Fear) directed by Bui Thac Chuyen. Six made-in-Vietnam features, including Chuyen cua Pao (Pao’s story), Song trong so hai (Living in Fear), Hon Truong Ba da hang thit (Souls on swing), Hat mua roi bao lau (Bride of Silence), Ao lua Ha Dong (the White silk dress), and Dong mau anh hung (the Rebel) will be showcased at the festival. Established in October 2003, ViFF aims to support and promote cinema by filmmakers of Vietnamese descent. Screenings will be held mainly at University of California, Irvine (UCI)’s Film & Video Center with selected screening panel discussions at UCLA and in Westminster, California on two consecutive weekends from April 12-15 & 19-22. Opening Night will be held at the Edwards University Cinema 6, Irvine.