The feature film Guardian Spirit of the Valiant Warrior – The Mystery of King Dinh’s Tomb has officially wrapped after 83 consecutive days and nights of filming in Ninh Binh, and is now entering post-production, with a nationwide theatrical release scheduled for Vietnam’s Independence Day, September 2, 2026.
Inspired by legends surrounding the tomb of King Dinh Tien Hoang, the film was shot across numerous iconic cultural and natural landmarks in Ninh Binh. Set against majestic and sacred landscapes, the production journey proved both physically demanding and emotionally profound, as the cast and crew worked to bring an epic historical narrative to life through contemporary cinematic language.
On the final day of shooting, the production filmed a large-scale night scene depicting a royal court banquet during the Mid-Autumn Festival of the year 979, staged at Bai Dinh Pagoda. The wrap-up ceremony was attended by more than 200 crew members, nearly 70 lead and supporting actors, along with invited guests and partners.
Among the attendees were Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA); Mr. Tran Song Tung, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh Province; representatives from provincial departments and agencies; members of a delegation from the French Embassy in Vietnam; as well as leaders of tourism enterprises and partner organizations that supported the production throughout the filming process.
Guardian Spirit of the Valiant Warrior – The Mystery of King Dinh’s Tomb originated from a film development cooperation agreement signed in October 2024 between the VFDA and Ninh Binh Province, aiming to promote filmmaking linked with local tourism, cultural industries, and the broader creative economy.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA)
Speaking at the wrap-up ceremony, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan emphasized that selecting Ninh Binh as the film’s primary location represents the practical implementation of cooperation between the Association and the province. She expressed confidence that the film would open new directions for Vietnamese cinema in exploring historical and cultural subjects with depth and ambition.
Mr. Tran Song Tung, Permanent Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh Province
Representing provincial leadership, Mr. Tran Song Tung affirmed that Ninh Binh had created the most favorable conditions for the production team throughout the filming period, with close coordination from local authorities and strong support from police units, military forces, and local businesses. He noted that the province views culture-based tourism development as a strategic priority, with cinema serving as a powerful medium to promote historical values and nurture national pride, particularly among younger generations.
The film was shot at more than 40 major and minor locations across Ninh Binh. According to the producers, the entire crew worked with unwavering dedication, striving to capture the spiritual depth of a legend rooted in over a thousand years of Vietnamese history.
At the event, BHD also announced TV360 — the digital content platform of the Viettel Group — as a co-production partner. Representatives from Viettel stated that their participation reflects a commitment to supporting Vietnamese cinema by leveraging technology and digital platforms to bring stories of national history and culture closer to audiences.
Throughout more than two months of filming, the crew endured extreme weather conditions, ranging from scorching heat on rocky mountains to cold nights deep in forested areas. Director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh expressed his deep respect for the team’s perseverance, noting that the spirit of the “valiant warrior” exists not only within the story, but also in the people behind the camera.
Guardian Spirit of the Valiant Warrior – The Mystery of King Dinh’s Tomb tells the story of seven elite guardians entrusted with King Dinh Tien Hoang’s final mission: transporting 99 royal coffins in seven different directions to protect the king’s tomb and safeguard the nation’s spiritual lifeline. Placed at the crossroads of loyalty, sacrifice, and duty, the characters face profound moral choices, shaping a myth-infused epic deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity.
With filming complete, the production is now entering post-production, ahead of its planned theatrical release on September 2, 2026.
