HÀ NỘI — Vietnamese film Nhắm Mắt Thấy Mùa Hè (Summer in Closed Eyes) will be screened alongside movies from around the world at the Hà Nội International Film Festival (HANIFF) from October 27-31.

This is a feature film on love and cultural exchange by independent female director Cao Thúy Nhi.

The film tracks a journey of Hạ (means summer), played by actress Phương Anh Đào, when she comes to Hokkaido, Japan, to find her father. During her stay, she meets a Japanese guy - Akira (played by Takafumi Akutsu).

Vietnamese and Japanese film crews spent nearly two years working on the production.

Nhi’s film will represent Việt Nam in the Feature Film category together with films from Poland, Iran, India, South Korea, Argentina, Philippines, Serbia, Japan, Russia and France.

This is an opportunity for movie lovers to enjoy works by famous directors from around the world.

Ngô Phương Lan, director of the Cinema Department and head of the HANIFF’s organising board, said the number of films submitted to the competition had increased significantly in comparison with the previous event.

“The first HANIFF had 59 films from 22 countries. The fourth festival has attracted 43 countries and territories and 146 films."

“The increase in the number and quality of films is the clearest evidence for the development and reputation of this event,” said Lan.

HANIFF honours outstanding cinematographic works which are rich in humanity and have a creative signature.

The films aim to promote sharing among filmmakers, delegates, guests and audiences. — VNS