Love story: A scene from Not Another Happy Ending, a romantic film to be screened at the UK Film Week 2014. — Photo courtesy of British Council

HA NOI (VNS) — The musical film, Sunshine on Leith, will open this year's UK Film Week.

With endless frames of Edinburgh's scenic beauty, it's a particularly telling introduction to this year's chosen theme.

Organised by the British Council of Viet Nam (BC), the 2014 calendar of films celebrates Scottish heritage and culture.

Based on the stage hit of the same name, Sunshine on Leith scores an impressive approval rating of 92 per cent on UK's Rotten Tomatoes review website.

Its uplifting story and featured music by pop-folk band The Proclaimers seem to have hit the mark with audiences.

Directed by Dexter Fletcher, the plot follows Davy and Ally, two discharged British Army servicemen who return to the comfort of their families and their native city, Edinburgh, after a tour in Afghanistan.

The romantic intrigue begins immediately with Ally who returns to his girlfriend Liz, a nurse and also Davy's sister. Liz then introduces Davy to her English friend and colleague Yvonne, and the two strike up a romance.

Renowned British movie critic, Mark Kermode, said of the movie, "I shed a tear within the first 10 minutes, and spent the rest of the movie beaming like a gibbering, love-struck fool."

Other feature films on the schedule include: Shell, A Fond Kiss, For Those in Peril and Not Another Happy Ending. Together the collection delivers a mixture of genres that all manage to do the same thing, celebrate the richness of Scotland.

These films will mesmerise unsuspecting audiences with their impressive cinematography.

"Scotland has a tremendous cultural heritage. As well as being the home of the world-famous Edinburgh Festival, the country has produced many famous writers, artists and musicians," said Cherry Gough, country director of the BC.

"Scotland's stunning cities and landscapes have featured in many films and TV programmes. And, of course, Scottish tartan and the kilt are recognised worldwide!"

"This year's UK Film Week will provide an opportunity to have a closer look at the richness of Scottish culture through five award-winning films including drama, romantic comedy and musical genres, brilliantly capturing contemporary life in Scotland."

This year's film festival also marks the very first time the British Council has partnered with YxineFF, a local non-for-profit project that supports young filmmakers. They plan to introduce seven short Vietnamese entries alongside six award-winning Scottish short films.

The BC also has planned two workshops to be led by award-winning director Paul Welsh. Welsh, who will be flying out to Viet Nam for the event, will focus the workshops on film pitching and targeting potential film makers in Viet Nam.

The film screenings will take place on September 22-28 in CGV Cineplex in Ha Noi and also in HCM City. Free tickets will be distributed at the British Council in the two cities starting on September 15. — VNS