HCM CITY — Director Nguyễn Huy Thành, who rose to fame after winning the Golden Lotus Award for Nổi Gió (The Wind Rises) in 1970, passed away while visiting his children in France on May 22. He was 90.

Thành was born in Đà Nẵng in 1929. He joined the military in 1945 and then moved to the North after 1954.

In 1959, he studied directing at the Việt Nam Cinematography University (now the Hà Nội University of Theatre and Cinematography).

Thành’s first film Làng Nổi (Floating Village) in 1965 was much-acclaimed.

In 1970, he won the Golden Lotus award for Best Feature Film for Nổi Gió (The Wind Rises), given by the Department of Cinematography.

He received the Golden Lotus awards for Best Feature Film and Best Screenplay for Về Nơi Gió Cát (Return to the Land of Wind and Sands) in 1983, and Best Feature Film and Best Director for Xa và Gần (Far and Near) in 1985.

In honour of his contribution to cinematography, Thành was awarded the titles of People’s Artist and Meritorious Artist in 2007. He was also given State swards for Literature and Arts in the same year.

The HCM City Film Association is preparing a memorial ceremony for Thành, and his funeral will be held in HCM City. — VNS.