“Tunnels: Sun in the Dark” directed by Bui Thac Chuyen will have three screenings at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF 2025). Meanwhile, “1982”, filmed in Hanoi and directed by Nguyen Hoang Diep, stands out as a highlight at this year’s Tokyo International Film and TV Market (TIFFCOM).
Three years after “Glorious Ashes” became the first Vietnamese film to enter the main competition at TIFF 2022, director Bui Thac Chuyen returns to TIFF 2025 with his wartime film “Tunnels: Sun in the Dark”, which is being screened three times in the World Focus section on October 29, October 31, and November 5, 2025.
Director Bui Thac Chuyen, along with the two actresses from “Tunnels: Sun in the Darks” — Ho Thu Anh and Diem Hang Lamoon — will take part in a cinetour at TOHO Cinema after the screening on October 31.
“I’m very happy to be in Tokyo for nearly a week to attend the festival and meet with Vietnamese audiences living abroad,” Diem Hang Lamoon shared enthusiastically.
Following the successful Vietnam Night held du· the Busan International Film Festival in late September 2025, the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) will continue to organize another Vietnam Night as part of TIFF 2025. The event aims to promote and develop Vietnamese cinema while fostering connections for multinational film production collaborations.
In 2019 and 2022, VFDA previously hosted seminars in Tokyo to promote Vietnam’s appealing filmmaking environment to the global film community and introduce opportunities for international co-productions.
The upcoming Vietnam Night in Tokyo, taking place on October 30, will bring together filmmakers and artists such as Bui Thac Chuyen, Nguyen Hoang Diep, Ho Thu Anh, Diem Hang Lamoon, and veteran producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc.
“1982” seeks 30% of its post-production funding in Tokyo
The film project “1982” by female director Nguyen Hoang Diep is one of 23 international feature film projects showcased at the 6th Tokyo Gap-Financing Market, held within the framework of TIFFCOM 2025. This section selects projects that have already secured at least 60% of their budget and supports filmmakers in finding the remaining funds to complete their films.
Nguyen Hoang Diep revealed that “1982” has finished filming and is now seeking the remaining 30% of funding for editing and post-production.
“I’m in Tokyo from October 28 to November 1 to work, meet, and discuss with international partners, experts, investors, and film distributors. There’s a strong possibility that if we receive a full post-production sponsorship abroad, ‘1982’ will follow that direction,” Nguyen Hoang Diep shared.
