AMPAS on November 21 announced the list of films eligible for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards. Among them, Vietnam’s film Red Rain, directed by directed by Dang Thai Huyen, is officially included on the preliminary list.

The International Feature category is defined as feature-length films (over 40 minutes) produced outside the United States with more than 50% of the dialogue in a non-English language. Each country may submit one film as its official entry.

After being listed as eligible, Red Rain will compete with 85 other films for a spot on the shortlist of 15 films. Academy members from all branches may participate in the preliminary voting round, provided they meet the minimum viewing requirements for the category. The preliminary voting will take place from December 8–12, 2025, with the shortlist announced on December 16, 2025.

Red Rain was chosen as Vietnam’s official submission by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism on September 30, 2025.

The film is adapted from the novel of the same name written by Chu Lai and directed by Dang Thai Huyen. Set during the fiery summer of 1972, the story depicts the Liberation Army reclaiming Quang Tri Citadel, while US forces and the Army of the Saigon puppet regime launched a fierce counterattack to retake the ancient citadel, aiming to gain leverage at the negotiating table.

The plot follows Cuong, a conservatory student who gives up an overseas scholarship to join the army. He fights alongside his squadmates - Ta, Binh, Tu, Hai, and Sen from different regions who, despite their contrasting personalities, share a common ideal of peace.

Intense battles gradually deplete their numbers, leaving haunting scenes on screen: soldiers buried in the earth, mangled bodies, and dangerous river crossings that move audiences to tears. The “red rain” motif symbolises the sacrifices and bloodshed of a generation devoted to their homeland.

Being included on the eligible list marks an important first step, confirming that the film meets technical, runtime, and Academy requirements for consideration in the International Feature category. It also gives Vietnamese cinema a valuable opportunity to gain recognition on the global stage and compete for one of the world’s most prestigious film awards.

Wartime film Red Rain selected as Vietnamese entry for 2025 Oscars

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism announced on September 30 that the film "Mưa đỏ" (Red Rain) has been chosen as Vietnam’s official submission for the Best International Feature Film category at the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars).