“Quán Kỳ Nam” (Ky Nam Inn) by director Leon Lê, starring Liên Bỉnh Phát and Đỗ Thị Hải Yến, has won the Shooting Star Award at a film festival in the United States.
The setting of Ky Nam Inn, where Ky Nam and Khang meet in the film – Photo: ĐPCC
According to Variety, the awards ceremony of the 45th Hawaii International Film Festival (HIFF) recently concluded with a gala held at the Halekulani Hotel in Honolulu, Hawaii (USA). “Quán Kỳ Nam” was the only Vietnamese film to receive an award this year.
The organizers awarded a total of USD 58,000 in prizes. The festival features multiple categories honoring international cinema, stories from Pacific Island regions, and indigenous Hawaiian talents.
A Gentle Vietnamese Film
Giải thưởng Kau Ka Hoku (Shooting Star, dịch là Sao băng) được ban tổ chức trao cho Quán Kỳ Nam của đạo diễn Leon Lê. Giải này nằm trong hệ thống giải thưởng chính của liên hoan phim.
According to Variety: “Ky Nam Inn by Leon Lê, a gentle psychological drama, won the Shooting Star Award presented by Hawaiian Airlines. The award honors emerging filmmakers for their first or second feature.”
The jury commented on the film: “Elegance and simplicity can sometimes be deceptive—because they require refinement and precision to create deep emotional resonance.
Through a beautiful interweaving of poetry, music, and literature, Ky Nam Inn not only tells a story but also reminds us of the quiet power of art rooted in humanity.”
The jury panel included Diane Quon – an Oscar-nominated producer, Janica Chua – co-founder of Third Culture Content, and David Magdael – founder of David Magdael & Associates.
Audiences are eagerly anticipating the quiet love story between Đỗ Thị Hải Yến and Liên Bỉnh Phát on screen – Photo: ĐPCC
Ky Nam Inn and the Emotional Echoes of the 1980s
Ky Nam Inn has recently released its teaser trailer and officially set its theatrical release date in Vietnam for November 28. The film tells the story of young translator Khang (Liên Bỉnh Phát) and widow Ky Nam (Đỗ Thị Hải Yến), both searching for quiet, unspoken emotions.
Ky Nam Inn has recently released its teaser trailer and officially set its theatrical release date in Vietnam for November 28. The film tells the story of young translator Khang (Liên Bỉnh Phát) and widow Ky Nam (Đỗ Thị Hải Yến), both searching for quiet, unspoken emotions.
The film’s color palette evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the 1980s – Photo: ĐPCC
The film’s color palette evokes a strong sense of nostalgia for the 1980s – Photo: Provided by the film crew
Khang, a young translator, arrives in the city to take on a new job and meets Ky Nam, a woman who runs a small eatery serving residents in the complex.
Though initially reserved, their friendship gradually blossoms into a bond that transcends age, pain, and circumstance.
As secrets are slowly revealed and new characters emerge, the story unfolds with layers reflecting the social context of the time.
Author: LÊ GIANG
Source: Ky Nam Inn by Leon Lê wins award at a U.S. film festival