HCM CITY  Sáng Đèn (The Light), a film on the 100-year history and development of cải lương (reformed opera), a traditional theatrical genre in the South, will hit cinemas in time for the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday on February 9. 

The film features a group of cải lương artists in the South in the 1990s, focusing on the challenges they face to preserve their art.  

It also centres on the career of a veteran female performer, Hạnh, who makes sacrifices to pursue her dream and keep cải lương alive. 

Themes of love, glory, and money are explored. 

The film’s director, Hoàng Tuấn Cường, invited celebrated artist Lê Thiện to play Hạnh. 

Thiện researched many documents and books on cải lương before filming.

“I hope my role as a cải lương performer who tries to preserve her art will help my career reach new heights,” said Thiện, who has more than 50 years in drama. 

Cải lương star Kim Tử Long and famous drama actor Hữu Châu are also featured. 

“I hope audiences will see a different Hoàng Tuấn Cường in Sáng Đèn. I have confidence in my capability,” said director Cường, a graduate of the HCM City University of Theatre and Cinematography.

 “I wanted to capture the beauty of Vietnamese culture and theatre in my film.” 

Cường became a star after his five TV series and films released in 2017, 2019 and 2023. 

His thriller Vong Nhi (Dead Kids) was among the highest-grossing Vietnamese movies last year.

Sáng Đèn will be released during the two-week Tết season starting on February 9.  VNS