Italian
Exploring Vietnam’s vanishing cinematic legacy in ‘Waiting for Godard’
The decline of Vietnam’s state-run film industry and its profound impact on veteran filmmakers takes center stage in a new project developed by acclaimed director Vu Minh Nghia. Titled “Waiting for Godard”, the film is slated for production in 2025 and promises to delve deep into the aftermath of significant cultural shifts.
A look into the storyline
“Waiting for Godard” follows a young, independent director on a quest to interview former filmmakers from the Vietnam Feature Film Studio. The narrative sheds light on the disheartening outcomes following the 2017 sale of the studio to a transportation company—a decision that left numerous industry veterans jobless and in turmoil. By focusing on these personal stories, the film aims to capture the emotional and professional toll exacted on seasoned artists who found themselves adrift in a rapidly evolving cultural landscape.
Featured at the Taiwan Creative Content Fest
The project has been selected for Taiwan’s Taiwan Creative Content Fest (TCCF), where it is featured as part of the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) and Produire au Sud feature film pitch. This prestigious platform serves as an excellent opportunity for Vu to discuss the cultural transformations that inspired the project.
Shifts in cultural landscapes
Reflecting on Vietnam’s late 20th and early 21st centuries, Vu highlighted the swift and overwhelming influx of Western culture, particularly in music and movies. American and Hong Kong films quickly dominated the market, gradually eroding interest in the wartime propaganda films that had once been the staple of Vietnamese cinema.
“In the past 20 years, Vietnam has changed very quickly, but it seems that economic development does not go hand in hand with culture. Materialism is emphasized, leading to many tragicomedies,” Vu remarked.
This cultural juxtaposition between rapid economic progress and the neglect of artistic expression forms the crux of “Waiting for Godard”. The film captures a world that Vu describes as both “skeptical and ridiculous,” mirroring the struggles of artists who are confronted with a rapidly changing society.
The personal touch in storytelling
Drawing from his observations of filmmakers and artists grappling with issues such as alcoholism, illness, and frustration, Vu seeks to inject a deeply personal perspective into the film. He aims to explore the absurdity of reality in a way that makes audiences laugh, feel sorrow, and sometimes even offense, all while reflecting on the absurd nature of life itself.
“Sometimes it feels like sexual impotence. I want the audience to laugh at the absurdity of that reality, but at the same time feel sad and sometimes offended. And above all, it is the feeling of the absurdity of this life,” Vu shared.
A star-studded production team
The assembly of a distinguished production team only amplifies the expectations surrounding “Waiting for Godard”. The project involves notable figures such as producer Nguyen Trung Nghia, celebrated for his short film “Mulberry Fields”, which made its debut at the Cannes Directors’ Fortnight. Veteran producer Fran Borgia, founder of Akanga Film Asia, also joins the team, bringing with him accolades from Venice and Cannes for films like “Stranger Eyes” and “Tiger Stripes”.
Vu Minh Nghia’s filmmaking journey
Vu Minh Nghia has already garnered attention with his previous works, including shorts such as “U Oi” (featured at the Singapore International Film Festival) and “Live in Cloud-Cuckoo Land” (Venice Film Festival – Orizzonti). Now, with “Waiting for Godard,” he seeks international co-production partners, with a keen focus on Taiwan, and is actively exploring funding opportunities at TCCF.
Production timeline
Currently in the development phase, the film is set to begin pre-production in 2025. The shooting will commence in the fall of the same year, followed by post-production in late 2025. If all goes as planned, the release is targeted for 2026, much to the anticipation of film enthusiasts and cultural critics alike.
The layers within ‘Waiting for Godard’
“Waiting for Godard” is far more than just a historical recount; it is a poignant narrative that reflects the struggles, resilience, and emotional depth of Vietnam’s veteran filmmakers. By intertwining their personal stories with broader socio-economic changes, Vu Minh Nghia offers a unique lens into the complexities of cultural evolution.
For those eager to stay in the loop with the latest in film and cultural discourse, sharing this content on social media or following related platforms ensures you won’t miss out on any updates. Keep an eye on this ambitious project as it unfolds, promising rich commentary and illuminating depictions of a bygone cinematic era.
For more details and trailers, visit: Waiting for Godard
