A scene from Blood Letter, the only Vietnamese entry submitted to compete in the Best Foreign Language Film Category at the 86th Academy Awards next March in Los Angeles. The film fails to meet Oscar regulations. -- File Photo

HA NOI (VNS)– Viet Nam will not send any films to compete in the Best Foreign Language Film Category at the 86th Academy Awards next March in Los Angeles.

The country's cinema department called on film studios nationwide to submit their work. But the only entry the department received was Thien Menh Anh Hung (Blood Letter) by Phuong Nam Film Studio in co-operation with Saiga Film and Thanh Nien (Young People) Film studios, which is not eligible to compete.

The entries must have been screened for the first time in their country of origin between October 1, 2012 and September 30, 2013 and must be screened for commercial purposes for at least seven days in a row. Yet Blood Letter was screened for the first time on January 16, 2012.

Last year, Mui Co Chay (The Scent of Burning Grass) by director Huu Muoi was sent to compete. In previous years, Oscar submissions included Vua Bai Rac (Foul King), Mua Len Trau (Buffalo Boy), Chuyen Cua Pao (Pao's Story), Ao Lua Ha Dong (The White Silk Dress) and Dung Dot (Don't Burn). None received a prize. – VNS