Vietnam’s ‘A Fragile Flower’ Heads for U.S. Theatrical Release – Global Bulletin

Patrick Frater
·3 min read
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SONGBIRD’S SORROW

Atlas Distribution Company, a U.S. indie distributor, has set Vietnamese-American co-production film “A Fragile Flower” on course for a theatrical release in the U.S. Produced by the duo Mai Thu Huyen and Jacqueline Thu Thao, the romantic musical drama, with a screenplay by Vietnamese singing sensation Nhat Ha, is set debut from Mar. 29.

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“A Fragile Flower” tells the tale of resilience and hope through the eyes of a blossoming Vietnamese songstress blessed with both a mesmerizing voice and a gentle soul. Much of the cast are professional singers including Trizzie Phuong Trinh, Nhat Ha, Anh Dung, Khanh Hoang, Lam Tuyet Trang, Ho Xuan Dao, Jacky Tai, Jinstar Nguyen Duy, Maya, Quoc Cuong and Mai Thu Huyen.

Production was by Tincom Media (“The American Dream,” “Paradise in Heart”) with Rakesh Tammabattula, the film’s executive producer.

LEEDING LADY

Prominent Korean actor Lee Young-ae is to be presented with the Excellence in Asian Cinema Award at the Asian Film Awards in Hong Kong on Mar. 10. Lee gained prominence with impressive characters and fine acting skills in “Joint Security Area” (2000), “One Fine Spring Day” (2001), “Lady Vengeance” (2005) and “Bring Me Home” (2019). “Always embracing challenges and seeking diverse roles, Lee played an enigmatic and bold conductor with hidden secrets in the recent drama series ‘Maestra: Strings of Truth’,” said Park Kwang-su, newly installed chair of the Busan International Film Festival.

BIG MAC

British-Irish playwright and director Martin McDonagh, who wrote and directed “Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri” and “The Banshees of Inisherin,” will share his artistic vision and career inspiration in a masterclass at the Hong Kong International Film Festival. As part of the tribute program, all of McDonagh’s cinematic works will be screened.

Born in London to Irish parents, McDonagh honed his craft in the theatre, writing award-winning, thought-provoking, wickedly funny, and profound plays. He later ventured into film, where his distinct and bold worldview thrived. His first short film, “Six Shooter,” won an Oscar. His debut feature, “In Bruges,” premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and starred Colin Farrell and Brendan Gleeson as Irish hitmen in a dark comedy filled with witty dialogues and escalating absurdity. After moving to Hollywood, McDonagh challenged the conventions of the crime genre with “Seven Psychopaths,” and followed that with “Billboards” and “Banshees.” The HKIFF will run for 12 days, from Mar. 28 to Apr. 8.

STOP-MOTION MOVEMENTS

U.K. stop-motion animation giants Aardman has announced several new hires and changes to its executive board. Emma Hardie, currently commercial director, global entertainment for BBC Studios, will join the company in the newly-created role of executive commercial and brand director. Meanwhile, BAFTA-nominated director Sarah Cox and Daniel Efergan have been promoted to chief creative director and executive creative director of interactive and innovation, respectively. Joanna Cave has also been promoted from head of finance to finance director, replacing Kerry Lock who retired from Aardman after 28 years. In perhaps the biggest change to the executive board, Aardman co-founder Peter Lord will step down from his place. The animation legend, who directed Aardman’s first feature “Chicken Run” and has produced almost all its films, will continue to serve as creative director and executive producer at the company, while also acting as an ambassador for the studio.

TOUR DE FORCE

Indian rapper Badshah will tour the U.S. and Canada for the first time with the “The Paagal Tour 2024.” The six-date arena run will have stops across Toronto (May 31), Vancouver (June 1), San Francisco (June 7), Houston (June 8), Dallas (June 9) and New Jersey (June 15). Additional dates for cities including Singapore, Washington DC, Los Angeles and Netherlands will be announced over the course of the next few weeks. Badshah had a sold-out 10-city tour across India in support of his anticipated third studio album “Ek Tha Raja.”

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