What's cooking?: A scene in the private-funded movie Co Dau Dai Chien 2 (Battle of the Brides 2). The film will vie for the 2013 Golden Kite Awards. — Photo thegioivanhoa.vn

HA NOI (VNS)— As many as 162 cinematography works will vie for the Golden Kite Awards this year.

Head of the Viet Nam Cinema Assocation, director and People's Artist Dang Xuan Hai said the entries would compete in seven categories: feature film, cartoon, documentary, short film, science film, TV movie and cinematography research and criticism.

"The Golden Kite Awards [Viet Nam's local equivalent of the Oscars] promote works that feature artistic creativity, national characteristics, humane values and positive social effects," said Hai.

"Motion picture is always the most anticipated category, and the head of the jury will be a director and Meritorious Artist."

According to scriptwriter Nguyen Thi Hong Ngat, 11 out of the 13 entries in the feature film category come from private producers.

"Besides the two State-funded films Nhung Nguoi Viet Huyen Thoai (The Legend Makers) and Va Anh Se Tro Lai (So I'll Be Back), the rest are privately made," said Ngat.

"This shows that privatisation is helping the country's film industry grow. It's also good that none of the entries are nonsense comedies as in previous seasons."

The Legend Makers, directed by Bui Tien Dung, depicts one of the most vibrant periods of the country's history, focusing on the construction of an oil pipeline along the Truong Son mountain range during wartime.

So I'll Be Back, directed by young Dinh Tuan Vu, a graduate of the Ha Noi Theatre and Cinematography University, depicts the culture and lifestyle of the ethnic Mong people living in Viet Nam's northwest region.

The privately-funded films are US-style road comedy Teo Em, San Dan Ong (Hunt for Men), Than Tuong (The Talent), Am Muu Giay Got Nhon (How to Fight in Six Inch Heels), Co Dau Dai Chien 2 (Battle of the Brides 2), Duong Dua (The Race), Tien Chua (Funny Money), Gac Kiem (Quit the Gang Job) and Tia Oi (Daddy!).

The best works will be honoured on March 15 and will not be broadcast live as previously but rebroadcast the following day.

The motion pictures competing for awards will be screened for free in Ha Noi from March 10-14 at August Cinema, 45 Hang Bai Street; National Cinema Centre, 87 Lang Ha Road; Ngoc Khanh Cinema; and CVG cinemas.

Visit www.thegioidienanh.vn and www.tpdmovie.com.vn starting March 5 for more information. Tickets will be distributed at cinemas from March 8. — VNS