HCM CITY — As in previous years, filmmakers in HCM City are releasing comedies to lure moviegoers to cinemas during Tet (Lunar New Year).

Producer Ngo Thanh Van, one of the industry’s very few female film directors, has released the comedy Ve Que An Tet (Returning Home for Tet) last week.

Directed by Nguyen Hoang Anh, who is also the film’s scriptwriter, the film promises to appeal to both young audiences and adults.

Ve Que An Tet  tells the story of a young driver, played by Jun Pham who faces problems on his trip to return home before Tet.  

Young actors Ngoc Tuong, Oanh Kieu and Hai Trieu also feature in the film. 

"My film has comedy and exciting action, and is about serious issues like love and life," said Van, whose third film Co Ba Sai Gon (The Tailor) was named ’Face of Asia’ in the category “A Window on Asian Cinema” at the 22^nd Busan International Film Festival in Busan, Korea last year.

The film earned nearly VND70 billion (US$3 million) in ticket sales after three weeks of  release. Van hopes this Tet her new production Ve Que An Tet will repeat its success.

Director Van Cong Dien’s Yeu Em Bat Chap (My Sassy Girl) is a Vietnamese version of the Korean film with the same name. It is full-length comedy starred veteran actors Viet Anh, Huu Chau and My Uyen.

The film also features movie star Truong Ngoc Anh and pop star Dam Vinh Hung, both playing supporting roles. Director Dien said comedies were a perennial favourite with audiences, even more so during the festive season. 

Another comedy, 789Muoi (789Ten), directed by Vietnamese-American actor, film scriptwriter and producer Dustin Nguyen, is also in the offing. It focuses on urban life.

The film’s director Dustin invited Kieu Minh Tuan and Thu Trang, the region’s most famous comedians, to act in his work.

“Both Tuan and Trang are talented actors. Their fans will guarantee my film’s success,” said Dustin, who has the reputation of making quality films.    

Yeu Em Bat Chap and 789Muoi will be released on February 18.

Veteran director Tran Ngoc Giau’s Dich Ton Doc Dac (Eldest Son) will be released on Wednesday (February 14). The film has plenty of visual and sound effects.

With its young and attractive cast, including Bach Cong Khanh, Thanh Vy and Bella Mai, Chi, the film is expected to be a draw with young audiences.

Nguyen Quang Dung has taken a more adventurous turn by releasing his romantic drama,  Thang Nam Ruc Ro (Sunny), a week before Tet.  

It stars top fashion model and actress Thanh Hang, veteran actresses My Duyen and My Uyen. The director used dozens of make-up artists and fashion designers for the film. 

"I think young audiences will identify with my story," said Dung.  

His film is the only one expected to buck the trend of the holiday season which is invariably dominated by comedies.

The Tet holiday begins on February 14. — VNS