HCM CITY — Sài Gòn Anh Yêu Em (Sài Gòn, I Love You), a film by Lý Minh Thắng, was voted the best feature film by the Việt Nam Cinematography Association. The award was presented last night at HCM City’s Military Theatre.  

The 90-minute comedy features five couples from different places and backgrounds who choose Sài Gòn-HCM City as their home and tells the stories of their loves and lives. The culture and lifestyle of the Saigonese are highlighted throughout the film.

The production stars famous cải lương (reform opera) actress Ngọc Giàu, young actress Maya, and young comic actor Huỳnh Lập, who also received the award for best supporting actor.

The film also won prizes for best screenplay and best cinematography.

Vũ Ngọc Phượng, director of 12 Chòm Sao: Vẽ Đường Cho Yêu Chạy (12 Zodiac: Five Steps of Love), was awarded the  best director prize.

Phượng, a graduate of screenwriting at The London Film School in the UK, is known for such films as Wing and What If, and music videos for famous singers like Sơn Tùng M-TP and Trúc Nhân.

The 31-year-old director also participated in writing screenplays for movies for young people, like Chàng Trai Năm Ấy (Dandelion) and Ngày Nảy Ngày Nay (The Lost Dragon).

The film’s leading role Vũ Phương Anh and supporting role Nguyễn Đỗ Quỳnh Chi were presented awards for best actress and best supporting actress, respectively.

The best actor award went to Hà Hiền in director Việt Max’s Sút (Shoot).

The Golden Kite award for best TV series was presented to Việt Nam Television Film Centre’s Zippo, Mù Tạt Và Em (Zippo, Mustard and You), featuring love and friendship of young and successful people.

Its directors, Meritorious Artist Trọng Trinh and Tiến Huy, received best director awards.

The Việt Nam Animation Studio’s Cậu Bé Ma-Nơ-Canh (Mannequin Boy) was voted the best animated film, while its director, Meritorious Artist Phạm Hồng Sơn, was named best director.

The award for best documentary film went to Một Giải Pháp Chống Sói Lở Ở Biển (A Preventive Measure of Coastal Erosion) by director Phùng Ngọc Tú.

The 2016 Golden Kite award honoured veteran directors Nguyễn Khắc Lợi and Trần Phương for their contributions to the industry. 

This year’s competition received 145 entries, including 19 feature films, 21 TV series, 13 cartoons, 57 documentary films, 15 scientific films and 20 short films.

Thousands participated in a week of free screenings, which featured nominees for the awards, beginning on April 1 at Cinebox, Cinestar Quốc Thanh, CGV Thảo Điền, and BHD cinemas. — VNS