Somewhere that's green: Cover of the novel I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass by Nguyen Nhat Anh. The story will be filmed by director Victor Vu and released in 2015. — Photo me.zing.vn

HA NOI (VNS) — A new film called Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh (Yellow Flowers on Green Grass) marks the first joint venture between popular director Victor Vu and best-selling author Nguyen Nhat Anh.

Vu has made his name in the movie business with blockbusters like Qua Tim Mau (Vengeful Heart), Co Dau Dai Chien (Battle of the Brides) and Scandal. His new film is adapted from Anh's novel Toi Thay Hoa Vang Tren Co Xanh (I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass). Another director, Viet Linh, wrote the script.

The State commissioned the project, which will be produced by Thien Ngan Galaxy Media and Entertainment, Phuong Nam Studio and Sai Gon Concert.

The movie is in pre-production, with filming expected to begin in 2015. They will shoot most scenes in the natural landscape of the central province of Phu Yen, and some short segments in HCM City.

"I feel enthusiastic about the project," Vu said. "It will be a return to my cinema origins, and remind me of old stories in my family. The film project will also bring me back to my days as a student."

One of Vu's biggest worries making the film is handling audiences' expectations.

"Many readers like this book, and will compare it with the film," he said. "Anh and I agreed we just wanted to focus on making an emotional film."

Linh, the screenwriter and a veteran filmmaker, said she wouldn't mind making all Anh's stories into films. Their imagery makes them easy to translate to the screen.

"I've never been more excited than I was to write the script based on Anh's story," Linh said. "I laughed loudly and cried silently when I was writing.

"The script brought me back to a childhood I lacked in the past. I was inspired by the thrilling plot and interesting characters.

I See Yellow Flowers on Green Grass is Anh's newest story. The 81-chapter book, which received the ASEAN Literary Award, centres on children living in a poor village and poses ethical questions about heartlessness.

The film aims to introduce international audiences to Viet Nam's natural beauty, in addition to appealing to domestic moviegoers. — VNS