The event, jointly held by the Department of Cinematography and the municipal Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, has lured the participation of 99 films of all kinds from 29 film studios across the country.

Fifteen feature films will compete for the Golden Lotus prize, including Choi Voi (Adrift); Dung Dot (Don’t burn); Trang Noi Day Gieng (Moon at the Bottom of the Well); Trai Tim Be Bong (A Little Heart); Rung Den (Black Forest) and Cu va Chim Se Se (The Owl and the Sparrow).

Adrift, Don’t Burn and Moon at the Bottom of the Well are seen as the leading competitors for the best picture award. All are art-house productions that were funded by the State as well as foreign organisations. They have all been screened abroad and won acclaim at international film festivals.

The festival will close on December 12.