The cover of Tấm Ván Phóng Dao (Knife Throwing Game), a novel by veteran writer-theatre actor Mac Can. The book has been adapted into a film project If wood could cry, it would cry blood by young female director Nguyen Phan Linh Dan. Photo courtesy of Trẻ Publishing House

The project, If wood could cry, it would cry blood, won the Artekino International Award presented by the APM. 

Director Dan received a US$7,000 prize from the organiser. Her project competed with 24 projects from artists from 14 countries.

The APM aims to encourage and bring young film directors, producers and investors together. It was part of the 26th Busan International Film Festival 2021, which began on October 6. The 10-day festival featured different events, meetings and seminars on filming. Film screenings were also included. 

The project, If wood could cry, it would cry blood, is the first film by young director Dan. 

It was based on the novel Tấm Ván Phóng Dao (Knife Throwing Game) by veteran writer and theatre actor Mac Can.

The book was released in 2005 and tells the story of magicians working in a mobile circus troupe in the South of Vietnam.  

It also highlights southern culture and lifestyle. 

Young director Nguyen Phan Linh Dan won the Artekino International Award presented by the Asian Project Market (APM) as part of the 26th Busan International Film Festival 2021, which began on October 6 in South Korea. Photo from the artist’s Facebook

Director Dan has worked for film projects of BHD, one of the country’s leading film producers and cinema owners. 

She was a director of photography for the feature film Bí Mật Của Gió (Secret of the Wind) by director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh. 

Binh is famous for his hits such as Quyên (Farewell, Berlin Wall) and Cánh Đồng Bất Tận (The Floating Lives).

Bí Mật Của Gió was presented in the category “A Window on Asian Cinema” at the Busan International Film Festival in South Korea in 2019. 

Source: Vietnam News

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