Vietnamese film won Best Film at Kolkata Film Fest

The movie The Third Wife by director Nguyen Phuong Anh (Ash Mayfair) has won the Best Film title at the 24th Kolkata International Film Festival in India.

The film crew received a cash prize of US$71,000 and a sculpture of a Golden Royal Bengal Tider Award and a certificate.

The film has won various prizes at international film festivals in Toronto (Canada), San Sebastian (Spain) and Chicago (US).

The film Widow of Silence by Indian director Praveed Morchale won the Best Film in Indian Films category at the same event.

A scene from The Third Wife by director Nguyen Phuong Anh.
A scene from The Third Wife by director Nguyen Phuong Anh. 

The Third Wife tells the story of a 14-year-old girl named May, who enters an arranged marriage to a landowner.

Her new home seems idyllic, her husband favours her, and she quickly becomes pregnant with what she is certain will be the desired male progeny. But trouble is quietly brewing: she witnesses a forbidden tryst that will spark a chain reaction of misfortunes — and stir in May urges that until now had been dormant.

Based on a true story, the film relflected women’s thoughts and feelings in a world dominated by men.

The Third Wife echoes the art-house triumphs of noted director Tran Anh Hung, who serves as an ‘artistic advisor’, while his wife and frequent collaborator Tran Nu Yen Khe plays one of the principal roles.

Phuong Anh has been considered as a talented young director who has studied overseas. Born in 1985 in HCM City, she graduated from an MA course on directing drama in the UK and an MA in producing films in New York, the US.

The Kolkata International Film Festival is an annual event launched in 1995. It is the second oldest international film festival in India. The festival is organised by the West Bengal Film Centre under the West Bengal Government.

This year, the event screened 170 films from 70 countries between November 10 and 17.

VNS

Other News

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Digital innovation breathes new life into Vietnam's museums

Technology is similarly enriching exhibitions at the Vietnam Women’s Museum in Hanoi. Wartime letters, a typewriter and other artefacts linked to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh have been digitally integrated with collections held at the War Remnants Museum in Ho Chi Minh City. Through projection mapping, 3D displays and a virtual reality recreation of the Paris Peace Agreement, visitors can engage more deeply with the life and achievements of one of Vietnam’s most prominent diplomats.

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Vesak 2026 highlights Buddhism's enduring commitment to nation in new era

Most Venerable Thich Tri Quang, Supreme Patriarch of the VBS Patronage Council, called on Buddhist dignitaries, monks, nuns, and followers to continue serving society with mindfulness and compassion, uphold the noble traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism, and spread the light of kindness to foster a better life for all.

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

Soul of Mong people's panpipe kept alive in mountainous schools

In recent years, many localities across the Dong Van Karst Plateau have strengthened efforts to integrate traditional culture preservation into schools. "Khen" performances, linen weaving, folk songs and traditional games are gradually becoming more familiar once again to younger generations.

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australia – Vietnam promote cooperation in contemporary music

Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said: “We are thrilled to support this musical collaboration between Australia’s Matthew Ifield and Vietnam’s Mỹ Anh. Creative connections and exchange between young people in Australia and Vietnam will help build cultural understanding between our nations”.

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

VFF leader sends Vesak greetings to Buddhist community

Vietnamese Buddhism has consistently upheld the spirit of “protecting the nation and serving the people” while accompanying the nation in promoting social ethics, strengthening great national unity, and advancing national development.

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

Ho Chi Minh City boosts tourism appeal through culinary, cultural experiences

According to Vu Ngoc Lam, Country Director of Agoda Vietnam, travellers are becoming more selective when choosing accommodation, prioritising properties with strong reviews, quality amenities and distinctive dining options. This trend reflects a growing emphasis on the overall travel experience, alongside peer-based quality assurance.

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

Chinese destinations become increasingly popular among Vietnamese tourists

With its majestic landscapes, rich ethnic cultures and immersive tourism experiences, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and the Old Town of Lijiang are becoming increasingly attractive to Vietnamese travellers, while also contributing to stronger tourism and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and China’s Yunnan province.

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

Flights connecting Da Nang, Moscow resumed

The increase in flights from Russia, the CIS and Belarus to Da Nang not only helps diversify the city’s international visitor markets but also reflects growing confidence among international travel companies in Da Nang’s attractiveness and tourism capacity.

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

Command Cave tour breathes new life into Truong Son legend

The Command Cave tour offers domestic and international visitors an opportunity to explore the values of the World Natural Heritage site of Phong Nha-Ke Bang while commemorating the victories and sacrifices of forces operating along the Truong Son route.

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

📝OP-ED: Building culture 'immunity' through high-quality works of art

The representative of the Vietnam Cinema Association stated that in the context of today’s fourth Industrial Revolution, the requirement to respect and ensure historical authenticity through cinema has become more important than ever, as digital platforms and cyberspace have enabled the widespread dissemination of cross-border media products.

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

When millions of beautiful stories together tell of a Happy Vietnam

PSNews - "We have always affirmed that the greatest strength lies in the people, and the greatest creativity also comes from the people. When millions of positive stories are shared and spread simultaneously, we are not only promoting the image of our country, but also helping to strengthen social trust, enhance consensus, elevate national prestige, and proactively counter false and distorted information about Vietnam in the international arena", said Trinh Thi Thuy - Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the Organizing Committee of the award.