“Dia Dao: Mat Troi Trong Bong Toi” (Tunnel: Sun in the Dark) grossed nearly 20 billion VND (approximately 770,000 USD) on April 7, marking an unprecedented milestone and setting the stage for director Bui Thac Chuyen to reach 100 billion VND in revenue in less than a week.

It took 11 years to bring Dia Dao (The Tunnel) to the big screen.

Nearly 200,000 tickets were sold on the day, earning 19.8 billion VND, according to Box Office Vietnam.

To date, only the Hollywood blockbuster Avengers: Endgame and other films during Tet such as Gai Gia Lam Chieu 3 (The Last Egg 3) in 2020 broke through the revenue of 20 billion VND/day.

This marks an unprecedented achievement in Vietnamese cinema, as no purely historical or war-themed film has ever earned nearly 20 billion VND in a single day.

The film also set a new record as the highest-grossing Vietnamese release during the Hung Kings’ Commemoration holiday, the 10th day of the third lunar month, which falls on April 7 this year.

The film benefited from star power and the meticulous production of the renowned filmmaker Bui Thac Chuyen, and along with its compelling theme, which distinguishes it from other titles in the market, according to a representative from Box Office Vietnam.

Data from Box Office Vietnam shows that, as of the end of April 7, the film reached around 80 billion VND, becoming one of the highest-grossing historical war films of all time in Vietnam. The film will certainly eclipse the 100 billion VND in the next two days.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen’s wartime film has become the talk of the town across the media and online forums. Images and clips from the movie have gone viral, and praise from critics and early viewers has helped the film dominate the box office with packed theaters.

The movie is inspired by a true story set after 1967. It recounts the fierce resistance against the US imperialists by a 21-member guerrilla unit led by Bay Theo (played by Thai Hoa) at the Binh An Dong base in Cu Chi.

Amidst the fierce battles, the film portrays stories of love, camaraderie, and self-sacrifice for a greater cause by the soldiers living underground, while above them, US forces rain down bombs and fire.

The work reproduces the wartime drama in documentary film style, with fictional characters and drama interlaced, reminding Vietnam's young people of the sacrifices of the past.

Hanoi International Film Festival 2024 kicks off

The 7th Hanoi International Film Festival 2024 (HANIFF VII) themed “Cinema: Soaring Creativity” opened on November 7 evening, with a series of attractive events.

Vietnamese film makes UK premiere

“Doa hoa mong manh” (a fragile flower), a film by Vietnamese director and producer Mai Thu Huyen, has had its UK premiere, captivating both the public and the Vietnamese community in the European nation.

Vietnam organises US promotional tour that unites film with tourism

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) will organise a Vietnam Cinema - Tourism Promotion Programme in the US themed "Vietnam – The New Destination of World Cinema" from September 21 – 28.

State-funded war film “Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano” to compete at Oscar

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has selected the film “Dao, Pho and Piano” (Peach Blossom, Pho and Piano) as its official nomination to compete in the best international feature film category at the 97th Academy Awards (Oscar).

Vietnamese director Duong Dieu Linh’s debut feature wins 2 awards at Venice Film Festival

“Don’t Cry Butterfly,” the debut feature film by director Duong Dieu Linh, secured the Best Film and Most Innovative Film awards at this year’s International Critics’ Week at the Venice Film Festival.

Vietnamese director Duong Dieu Linh's debut feature to compete at Venice Film Festival

"Don't Cry Butterfly," the debut feature of director Duong Dieu Linh, will compete in the International Critics’ Week at this year’s Venice Film Festival.