Vietnam’s “Long Diên Hương” is headed for international release, with Southeast Asia-based distributor Mockingbird Pictures leading the way with a global theatrical release and a streaming deal with Netflix in the region.
89s Group’s production had a solid domestic box office performance, selling over 2.5 million tickets and grossing approximately $8 million at the Vietnamese box office.
The film centers on two poor brothers whose fortunes appear to change when chunks of ambergris, a rare ocean-derived substance sometimes referred to as the sea’s “floating gold,” appear on the shores of a coastal village. Their plan to turn their finds into cash quickly turns into a dangerous chase as smugglers and rivals close in, and unlikely allies, including a resourceful fish vendor and a volatile local troublemaker, get involved in the mayhem. The deeper the brothers get into the chase, the more valuable goods come to represent something even more difficult than a mere windfall.
The film will be released theatrically in North America on January 30th, followed by Cambodia on April 17th, with Taiwan and other Asian regions currently being finalized. Netflix is expected to launch in all 11 regions in Southeast Asia on March 5th.
“We created ‘Fish, Fist, Ambergris’ to express the resilient spirit of Vietnam’s coastal communities,” said producer Mai Bao Ngoc of 89s Group. “At the heart of this film is a universal story about human connection, redemption, and the difficult choices people make to survive. We are thrilled that audiences across Southeast Asia can experience and connect with this deeply emotional journey.”
Producer Vo Thanh Hoa framed the project within the company’s broader ambitions. “This film represents a bold new chapter in Vietnamese cinema and reflects the 89s Group’s philosophy of ‘local stories, global storytelling’,” said director Vo Thanh Hoa. “By blending dynamic action with the rich cultural heritage surrounding the legend of Ambergris, we are proud to bring a unique Vietnamese film experience to audiences in the region and beyond.”
Phuong Duong, business director of Mockingbird Pictures, cited the film’s local box office performance as proof of the growing appeal of Vietnamese films. “The huge success of ‘Fish, Fist and Ambergris’ in Vietnam shows the strength and international potential of Vietnamese cinema,” said director Phuong Duong. “At Mockingbird Pictures, we are focused on connecting Vietnamese and Asian films with global partners and audiences. We are proud to lead the international release of our films and continue to expand the global presence of Vietnamese storytelling.”
Mockingbird Pictures has been active in bringing Vietnamese content overseas, and was previously responsible for overseas sales of Victor Vu’s supernatural thriller Detective Keene: Headless Horror. The company regularly exhibits at major markets such as Cannes Film Market, Busan Asian Content & Film Market, and Hong Kong Filmart.
Further theatrical release dates are expected to be confirmed in the coming months.
