Vietnamese distributor Mockingbird Pictures has joined director Huynh Lap’s latest film “Zero Meets Hero” and plans to unveil the title to overseas buyers at the Beijing International Film Festival as the company ramps up its efforts to bring Vietnamese commercial films to overseas markets.
Produced by Hong Tu and 17 Productions, the film follows two men who have little in common other than blood. Toy, a military veteran whose sense of self has been forged by military service, and his Gen Z grandson Tri Binh, adrift under the pressures of modern life. Mr. Toy’s obsession with tracking down his old comrades from the front lines leads the pair on a common journey, with Vietnamese spiritual beliefs woven into the story as the comedy gradually gives way to something more emotionally substantial.
Accomplished artists Cao Minh and Kodi Nam Bo lead the cast, which also features Huynh Lap himself, along with a supporting ensemble including Hong Anh, Hua Vi Van, Tinh Nguyen, Quang Trung, Puka and Xuan Phuc.
“We believe that high-quality, culturally authentic stories like ‘Zero Meets Hero’, when strategically positioned, can transcend borders and connect with audiences around the world,” said Phuong Duong, business director of Mockingbird Pictures.
The pickup marks another step in Mockingbird’s expansion into pan-Asian and North American markets, where the company has built a portfolio of Vietnamese box-office actors. Huynh Lap’s previous film “The Ancestral Home” (“Nha Gia Tien”) grossed more than VND242 billion ($9 million) locally, making it one of the highest-grossing local titles in Vietnam’s box office history.
“With ‘Zero Meets Hero,’ we aimed to tell a story that is very personal to Vietnamese audiences, one that reflects the patriotism and gratitude of the younger generation for their ancestors,” said producer Hong Thu. “We believe these are universal values and can resonate with audiences around the world.”
“Zero Meets Hero” is currently in production and is scheduled to be released in theaters on Vietnam’s National Day (September 2nd).
