A scene from Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh by director Victor Vu. — File Photo

HCM CITY (VNS) — Free film screenings opened the 19th Viet Nam Film Festival in HCM City today.

Organised by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in co-operation with Viet Nam Cinema Department and Distribution and Screening Film Company (Fafilm VN) together with local cinemas, there are 26 feature and video films, and 23 animations.

Feature films, including Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh (Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass) and Huong Ga ( Rise), directed by Vietnamese-American director Victor Vu and Vietnamese-Canadian Cuong Ngo, have attracted many fans.

Other highlights are Chang Trai Nam Aáy (Dandelion), Scandal- Hao Quang Tro Lai (Scandal: Comeback), Diu Dang (Charm) and Lac Gioi (Paradise in Heart). They are all produced by private companies.

"I got a ticket for Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh at BHD Star Cineplex after two hours of queuing. I learned that the film is one of the most nominated for the festival's best film," said Nguyen Thi Van Huong, a student at the HCM City University of Law.

Organised biennially by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the five-day Viet Nam Film Festival features 92 nominations in different categories of feature and video film, documentary and scientific film, and animation.

The films will compete for Golden Lotus and Silver Lotus prizes for the best film, best director, best scriptwriter, best cameraman, best actor and best actress.

According to the organisers, the screenings are offered at Galaxy, BHD Star Cineplex, Mega GS and CGV cinemas.

The screenings will end on the award ceremony day on December 5. — VNS