Vietnam’s Don’t Cry, Butterfly won two awards, including the prestigious Iwonderfull Grand Prize for Best Film, at the Settimana Internazionale della Critica during the 81st Venice International Film Festival on Friday.

Don’t Cry, Butterfly first won the Circolo del Cinema Verona Award for Most Innovative Film at the Settimana Internazionale della Critica, judged by a panel of international film critics under 35. 

“A few days before our world premiere at the Venice International Film Festival, an actor asked me how it felt to finally achieve my cinematic dream after so much hard work,” director Duong Dieu Linh, wearing a butterfly-inspired dress, remarked during her acceptance speech. 

“I told him I’ve been living that dream for the past five years thanks to working with a fantastic team.”

Shortly after, Don’t Cry, Butterfly was also honored with the Iwonderfull Grand Prize for Best Film, presented by the International Film Critics Council with a €10,000 (US$11,100) award. 

A scene from 'Don't Cry, Butterfly'

The jury praised the film’s originality and creativity, highlighting its blend of comedy, social tragedy, and fantasy elements, as well as its nuanced portrayal of a mother-daughter relationship.

Moved to tears upon receiving the award for the second time, Duong Dieu Linh invited producer Tan Si En and actors Tu Oanh and Bui Thac Phong to join her on stage. 

“I was stunned and couldn’t believe that Don’t Cry, Butterfly was announced as the winner of the most prestigious award at the Settimana Internazionale della Critica,” actress Tu Oanh, the film’s lead, expressed her astonishment. 

“I’m overwhelmed when receiving the award with everyone. 

“I plan to share the news with my family in Hanoi early on Saturday.”

A poster for 'Don't Cry, Butterfly'

Don’t Cry, Butterfly was one of seven films selected from 700 worldwide entries for the first feature competition at the Settimana Internazionale della Critica, a prestigious segment of the Venice International Film Festival known for launching the careers of notable directors like Kenneth Lonergan and Olivier Assayas. 

Following its success in Venice, the film will also be featured at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival this month and the 2024 Busan International Film Festival in October as part of the A Window on Asian Cinema program.

A co-production between Vietnam, Singapore, Indonesia, and the Philippines, Don’t Cry, Butterfly tells the story of mother Tam, portrayed by Tu Oanh, and daughter Ha, played by Nam Linh, who embark on a motorcycle journey after discovering Tam’s husband, played by Le Vu Long, is having an affair. 

In her quest to change his mind, Tam seeks help from an online shaman, inadvertently awakening a mysterious supernatural force in their home.

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