Based on a poem by Tố Hữu, a famous Vietnamese poet, The Girl on the River investigates the gap between ideals and reality — what happens after the revolution has been won and people start to grapple with the things or people they have to associate with to survive during the war. Through the figures of Nguyệt (Minh Châu), the titular girl on the river; Liên (Hà Xuyên), the journalist; and Thu (Anh Dũng), the Viet Cong officer, Đặng Nhật Minh gives voice to the truth that not many were willing to face or utter out loud. A monumental achievement in Vietnamese cinema by one of the finest Vietnamese directors.

The screening will be introduced by Ms. Khuất Thị Thu Trang, Ngoc Khanh Cinema House, Vietnam Film Institute.

Notes by Trà My Nguyễn Hoàng.

This film is screening as part of the East Asian Film Festival 2025.