WER BIN ICH? TÔI LÀ AI? – Kurzfilme aus Vietnam

In the organizer's words:

This year's KURZSUECHTIG guest country program provides an insight into Vietnamese cinema. What influences shape Vietnamese identities? What is life like in Vietnam today and how do those who have left the country process their experiences?

Films by Vietnamese filmmakers are in conversation with works by members of the Vietnamese diaspora in Germany. Both perspectives reveal tensions between tradition and modernity, questioning the importance of cultural heritage while drawing meaning from it. From the hectic streets of Saigon and the chaos of AI-generated images, to the picturesque bay of Halong, to the factories of the GDR, the program reflects a wide range of experiences. What unites them all is the search for belonging and the desire to understand themselves and the world.

All films will be shown in their original language with English subtitles.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with selected filmmakers and the awarding of the Audience Award.

This year's Country in Focus program presents an insight into Vietnamese cinema. Which influences are shaping Vietnamese identities? What does life look like in contemporary Vietnam and how do those that left the country reflect on their experiences?

Films made by Vietnamese directors stand in conversation with those made by members of the Vietnamese diaspora in Germany. Both perspectives show tension between tradition and modernity, at once challenging the importance of heritage and seeking to derive meaning from it. From the hectic traffic jams of Saigon and the chaos of AI images, over the picturesque Halong Bay, to the factories of the GDR, the program gives a broad view of diverse experiences. What unites them all is a search for belonging and a desire to understand themselves and the world around them.

All movies will be shown in original language version with English subtitles.

The screening will be followed by a Q&A with selected filmmakers and the voting for the Country in Focus audience award.

BLESSED LAND

VNM 2019 / Phạm Ngọc Lân / 18:23 min / OmeU

A woman and her son visit her husband's grave in an old fishing village. They search in vain for the gravestone in the dunes. Is their memory deceptive, or is the grave hidden? Or worse still? What was once the final resting place for the deceased is now a golf course for the nouveau riche.

A woman and her son visit her husband's grave in an old fishing village. Among the sandy dunes they search in vain for the headstone. Has her memory eroded or has the grave been concealed? Or worse? What used to be the final resting place for the dead is now a golf course for the noveau riche.

SORGE 87

FRG 2019 / Thanh Nguyen Phuong / 10:23 min / OmeU

Almost 60,000 Vietnamese citizens came to the GDR to work in factories such as the textile factory in Werdau. They were not allowed to have relationships with Germans and were prevented from integrating. Two couples, one Vietnamese and one German, reflect on the difficulties and consequences of this time.

Almost 60,000 Vietnamese citiziens came to the GDR to work in factories, like the textile plant in Werdau. They were prohibited from forming relationships with Germans and discouraged from integration. Two couples, one Vietnamese and one German reflect on difficulties and consequences of that time.

GOODNIGHT BABY

VNM/SGP 2023 / Le Quynh Anh / 18:04 min / OmeU

By day, Gia Gia is a famous influencer, armed with a beaming smile and captivating stories. At night, she's afraid to go to sleep. Instead, she plunges into an endless stream of online videos. Soon the boundaries between reality and nightmare begin to blur.

During the day, Gia Gia is a famous social media influencer, armed with a bright smile and a captivating story. At night she is afraid to fall asleep. Instead, she plunges herself into an endless stream of online videos and disassociation. The lines between reality and nightmares begin to blur.

SAIGON KISS

VNM/AUS 2024 / Nguyễn Hồng Anh / 22:12 min / OmeU

In the hectic city of Saigon, Mơ wanders through rush-hour traffic to avoid an unwanted phone call. When she meets Vicky on the side of the road with her broken motorcycle, a seemingly instinctive connection forms between the two queer women. A snapshot of a rapidly changing modern metropolis.

In the bustling city of Saigon, Mơ roams through the rush hour traffic to avoid an unwanted phone call. When she meets Vicky by the side of the street with her broken motorcycle, a visceral chance encounter unfolds between the two young queer women. A snapshot of a rapidly changing modern metropolis.

HOME IS WHERE THE STAR FRUITS ARE SOUR

FRG 2023 / Huy Nguyen / 24:00 min / OmeU

There are many unspoken things in Huy's family. Why is it so difficult to communicate? Why is the relationship between parents and child so complicated? Is there even a common history? To get closer to his parents, Huy seeks answers from his grandparents in Vietnam.

There are many things in Huy's family that are not spoken about. Why is it so hard to communicate? Why is the relationship between parents and children so complicated? Is there even a shared family history? Huy seeks answers from his grandparents in Vietnam while trying to get closer to his parents.

With the support of/Supportedby

City of Leipzig, Department for International Cooperation

German-Vietnamese House e.V.

Price information:

- 7.00 € (regular) - 5.50 € (reduced*) - 3.50 € (with Leipzig Pass, disabled pass, volunteer pass) - Films longer than 130 min: + 1.00 € - Tickets are available online (plus € 0.70 booking fee), remaining tickets at the Box Office.