Honeymoon phase: A scene in Trot Yeu (Love Triangle), a fourth film by female director Viet Trinh, will hit cinemas in mid-October. — VNS Photo

HCM CITY (VNS) — Director, producer and actress Viet Trinh of HCM City is taking a closer look at her production's success, Trot Yeu (Love Triangle), as films about love have become popular at the box office.

To be released for Halloween, Trot Yeu is directed by Trinh, who was known as the "Queen of Box Office" in the 1990s, also plays a leading role in the film.

The film depicts a romantic relationship involving Huy, a businessman, his wife Vy (played by Trinh), and his lover Uyen.

Huy, despite money and fame, feels lonely at home, but after meeting Uyen at his office he falls in love with her.

"My film is a romantic love story," Trinh said.

One of the country's very few female directors, Trinh believes younger audiences need serious but entertaining films.

"Young moviegoers can see themselves and learn a valuable lesson from Trot Yeu, that love is a great thing and we need to be honest and brave to face it," she said.

Trinh has invited fashion model Duc Hai, who runs a company in fashion and modelling, to play Huy along with young actress Khanh My (Uyen).

Trinh received the role of Vy after spending a cast.

"I'm confident about performing in my film after 10 years leaving the screen," said the 43-year-old Trinh, who had a leading role in more than 30 films and TV series.

Other roles in the film are played by veteran actors such as Cat Phuong, Trung Dan, Phi Phung and Kieu Mai Ly.

The film's soundtracks are performed by Trung Quan, a music idol.

"I'm not sure how Trot Yeu will succeed at the box office. But I believe the film is one that young people, particularly women, will want to watch," she said.

Like Trinh, the film's female producer Chau Tho is determined to take the local film market to a new frontier by producing entertaining and commercially viable movies.

Spending more than VND10 billion (US$445,000) to make the film, both Tho and Trinh believe it was not a risk.

"We want to change our own direction to create films that lure audiences, particularly youth. We can't fully develop the film industry without producing hit movies," said Tho.

Trot Yeu will compete against the American horror film Goosepump on October 16, which is being released on Halloween. — VNS