Τwo young miners, Việt and Nam, find intimacy in the darkness of a coal mine, a place that initially feels confining but becomes a sanctuary for their secret romance. As Nam prepares to emigrate for better opportunities, he embarks on a pilgrimage with his mother to uncover his father’s fate from the war. Beautifully shot on 16mm, Viêt and Nam captures their sensual connection and the pain of separation, while reflecting on the broader historical context. Banned in Vietnam for its portrayal of the country, Truong Minh Quy’s third feature offers a poignant, artistic exploration of desire and uncertainty, emphasizing the emotional depth of their intertwined lives amidst a changing world.
Trương Minh Quý, born in Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam, creates films that blend memories and present moments, navigating between documentary and fiction. An alumnus of the 2012 Asian Film Academy and 2016 Berlinale Talents, his works have been featured in festivals like Locarno and New York. His second feature, The Tree House, received acclaim at the 72nd Locarno Film Festival. Viêt and Nam, his third feature film had it world premiere in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes.
