APM - Asian Project Market

2023 Project

Logline

The story of Mr. Van, a poor farmer without a father, without a home, who is possessed by a ghost. For Van to reclaim his body, his family must make the ultimate sacrifice.

Synopsis

Van, a resin harvester, lives with his wife and two children in his younger, half-brother′s old house. One day, the younger brother decides to tear down the house and build a new one. With nowhere to live, Van and his family wander, until the villagers show them an abandoned house. To support the family, Van takes various jobs, while his wife, Ha, herds cows for a calf as payment. During a fishing trip, Van catches some human remains and loses consciousness. The ghost of the dead person yearns to find its family, possesses Van, and takes him on a journey, with Ha accompanying to protect him. In the middle of a field, the ghost brings Ha into its memories, revealing it was a 17-year-old girl who died far from home. Ha seeks out Van′s mother to learn about his ancestors and build an altar, but the mother can offer little help. Witnessing Van′s misery, she sacrifices herself in the river to save her son. In the astral realm, Van encounters important memories. Only when his mother′s spirit arrives, can the family reunite. Van′s parents push him back to Earth while they follow the river of light, two souls in one body. The ghost requests a house and identity in exchange for the return of Van′s body. Ha sells her calf to buy a burial plot, using Van′s family name for the ghost. After the shaman performs the ceremony, Van is returned to his body, his family moves to another abandoned house, and they begin a new life.

Director's Statement

My idea for this film is based on the true story of Mr. Van, who lives in an abandoned house in Thieu Giao village. The relationship between a person and their surroundings has always fascinated me. In Vietnamese culture, a stable home is believed to be the foundation for a successful career. Houses are not just for living, they also serve as a place for the deceased to reunite with their families, protected by divine blessings from the gods. Through the distinct language of both feature and documentary film, the movie aims to explore the spiritual aspects of Vietnamese culture. It also addresses contemporary issues such as urbanization, migration, and the special bond humans have with their surroundings, particularly their homes.

Producer's Statement

Mr. Van is a poignant and moving tale that explores the essence of family, identity, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us together. Set in the stunning landscapes of Vietnam, the film is a cinematic tapestry weaving together themes of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of the human soul. This story is a labor of love, driven by a profound desire to create a meaningful cinematic experience which will transcend borders and deeply connect with audiences. Collaborating with the talented director, Kim Quy Bui, has been a privilege, and together, we are committed to creating a captivating and thought-provoking film that resonates with audiences worldwide. We aim to forge valuable partnerships with co-producers, distributors, and investors, all of whom share a passion for impactful storytelling.

Director's Profile

Producer's Profile