Viet Film Fest presents free short film series ‘Under the Same Roof’ in June

Viet Film Fest is screening a short film series titled “Under the Same Roof” from June 1 to 15 for free.

The series features six films curated from the festival’s collections and centered on the theme of family.

Films include “Walk Run Cha-Cha” by Laura Nix, about a real-life refugee love story between a couple separated by the Vietnam War who become ballroom dancers together 40 years later; “Like Mother, Like Daughter” by Kady Le, which follows a Vietnamese American trans woman who wears her first áo dài (a traditional Vietnamese silk dress) during Lunar New Year in hopes of convincing her immigrant mother that she is capable of being her daughter; and “Chez moi” by Phuong Mai Nguyen, an animated fantasy where a young boy wakes up to find an unexpected addition to the family as his mother takes on a giant bird-man as a lover.

A film still from “Walk Run Cha-Cha,” directed by Laura Nix.

(Courtesy of Viet Film Fest)

Additional shorts include “The Anniversary,” by Ham Tram, “Hieu” by Richard Van and “My Father’s Truck” by Mauricio Osaki.

The virtual event is meant to celebrate the return of Viet Film Fest, which was cancelled last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The past year has brought as many opportunities as it has challenges,” said Eric Nong, the festival’s artistic director, in a statement. “In reimagining societal structures with greater intent and purpose, artists continue to create bold, innovative work of dialectical reflection. Viet Film Fest, as a space for visual storytelling, will bring that work to audiences however we can.”

A film still from “Chez Moi” (“My Home”), directed by Phuong Mai Nguyen.

(Courtesy of Viet Film Fest)

Event organizers plan on the festival returning from Oct. 15 to 30 via on-demand streaming, along with drive-in and theater screenings if local health and safety regulations permit.

“Amidst these changes, our commitment to enrich and connect communities through Vietnamese arts and culture persists. We believe that art — no matter the medium — allows exploration of new perspectives, celebration of unheard voices and revitalization of marginalized identities,” stated Tony Nguyen, festival digital director.

To register for the “Under the Same Roof” film series, visit vietfilmfest.eventive.org/welcome.

Posters of “The Anniversary,” “Chez Moi,” “Hieu,” “Like Mother, Like Daughter,” “My Father’s Truck” and “Walk Run Cha-Cha.”

(Courtesy of Viet Film Fest
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