HÀ NỘI — A Vietnamese documentary is among the best productions awarded at the Documentaries Without Borders International Film Festival (DWBIFF).

The docu-drama Người Ơi, Đừng Khóc Cuối Đường (Dearest, Spare Tears in the Twilight) by director Nguyễn Đức Đệ has been selected as one of the best of the Docu-Drama Shorts category.

The husband-and-wife couple of Mr. Bảy and Mrs. Nương in a scene of the documentary Người Ơi, Đừng Khóc Cuối Đường (Dearest, Spare Tears in the Twilight). — Photo courtesy of film crew

Unveiling life snippets of elderly couples living in the Bến Sắn leper colony in the southern province of Bình Dương, the 30-minute documentary conveys the message of hope and optimism within the depths of their pain. They are husband-and-wife couples of Mr. Bảy and Mrs. Nương, and Mr. Bích and Mrs. Khánh.

Infected with leprosy, one of the diseases once classified as "incurable", they were pushed into a dead-end, with no way out, slowly deteriorating due to physical pain, loneliness, and being shunned by others. They have faced difficulties in their journey to seek happiness and to have their own families.

Despite their sadness and extreme pain, they are always filled with love and loyalty. Such beautiful emotions are not easy to come by, even in the bustling world outside.

Director Nguyễn Đức Đệ and Mr. Bảy – a character featured in the documentary Người Ơi, Đừng Khóc Cuối Đường (Dearest, Spare Tears in the Twilight). — Photo courtesy of film crew

"The film doesn't tell a story with a conclusion. It just simply portrays life. Each viewer will find their own answers," director Đệ shared about his movie.

Đệ and his film crew spent an entire year preparing for the film, and shot the documentary during a period of two months.

To let the elderly in the colony to pour out their true feelings, the film crew built a sincere friendship with the people there.

“After obtaining the consent of the characters, we began filming. The initial days were dedicated to allowing them to get familiar with the cameras. Once we felt that the distance had diminished, I conducted interviews. Perhaps because of this approach, many hidden corners and untold stories were revealed,” Đệ said.

Người Ơi, Đừng Khóc Cuối Đường was broadcasted on VTV1 channel at the end of 2023 and made it to the top six nominees for the Best Documentary Film at the VTV Awards 2023.

Director Nguyễn Đức Đệ (right) and cameraman Hữu Phương during their film shooting at the Bến Sắn leper colony in Bình Dương Province. — Photo courtesy of film crew

Before Người Ơi, Đừng Khóc Cuối Đường, director Đệ created Bình Yên Con Nhé (Be Peaceful, My Child) – a film that tells the story of families who lost their loved ones due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These families made efforts to heal their wounds, compensate and provide care for children who became orphans due to the pandemic.

Another of his productions, Sợi Chỉ Màu Bay Đi (A Flying Sewing Thread) is about a mute woman who preserves the Chăm ethnic brocade craft.

DWBIFF is dedicated to documentaries and docudramas. Entries are submitted in different categories including Environment, Human Spirit, Social Issues, Wildlife, Docu-drama Shorts, and Docu-drama Feature. — VNS