578 Magnum to compete for International Feature Film at Oscars

The action film, put forward by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, will have English subtitles added before it is sent to the organising board of the Oscars on October 3.

The awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on March 12, 2023.

Directed by Luong Dinh Hung, 578 Magnum tells the story of a father - a container truck driver who is driven to hunt down a gang of underground criminals that kidnapped his daughter.

The cast is led by Alexandre Nguyen and features the likes of Hoang Phuc, model Jessica Minh Anh, and former Miss Universe Vietnam H'Hen Nie.

With a budget of US$2.54-million the film has a different way of expressing content as it is shown in a montage style that mixes both the past and present of the story. Indeed, it can be considered a combination of commercial entertainment and artistic elements, introducing impressive images of Vietnam with poetic scenery and beautiful people whilst also popularizing the country’s martial arts.

578 Magnum became the first Vietnamese action film selected to compete in the Grand Prix for the Best Film Award at the 26th Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (POFF) due to run in Estonia from November 11 to November 27.

The film has also been selected to premiere at a festival of martial art films in the Republic of Korea in early 2023.