Vietnam-Korean Drama “Leaving Mom” Set for Wide North American Release
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A poignant family drama exploring themes of duty, sacrifice, and cross-cultural connection, “Leaving Mom,” is slated to open in 140 locations across the US and canada on August 28, just in time for the Labor Day weekend.The film’s release is being spearheaded by Eastern edge Films and Skyline Media, building on a accomplished partnership that has brought other acclaimed vietnamese cinema to north American audiences.
Record-Breaking Success in Vietnam
“Leaving Mom” has already achieved notable success in its home country, Vietnam, where it premiered on August 1. According to a company release, the film has grossed $5.7 million from nearly two million admissions, making it the highest-grossing Vietnamese film ever released in August and the fastest to reach those earnings during the month. This remarkable performance signals a strong potential for resonance with audiences beyond Vietnam’s borders.
A Story of Family and Sacrifice
Directed by Mo Hong-jin (known for “Missing You”), “Leaving mom” stars Tuan Tran and Hong Dao, a celebrated on-screen duo previously featured in Vietnam’s all-time box office champion, “Mai.” The narrative centers on a young street barber grappling with the challenges of caring for his mother, who is suffering from late-stage Alzheimer’s disease-a heartbreaking condition that tests the limits of familial love and devotion.
The film also features a strong supporting cast, including Korean actors Jung Il-woo (“High Kick!”) and Go Kyung-pyo (“Reply 1988”), alongside Vietnamese talents Juliet Bao Ngoc (“Glorious Ashes”) and comedians Quoc Khanh, Lam Vy Da, Vinh Rau, and Hai Trieu.
Reflecting Universal Themes
The story has ignited considerable discussion on social media platforms in Vietnam and garnered attention from South Korean television networks. One analyst noted that the film taps into a universally relevant issue: the increasing strain on families to provide adequate care for aging parents, coupled with the pressures of balancing work and personal life-a struggle faced by many across cultures.
A Collaborative Production
“Leaving Mom” is a product of Sidus And Teu Entertainment, a production company founded by Vietnamese filmmaker Phan Gia Nhat Linh (“Sweet 20”) and Korean producer Yuno Choi. the company aims to create high-quality feature films tailored for the vietnamese market,fostering cross-cultural collaboration in the process.
Expanding Vietnamese Cinema’s Reach
Jawahar Sharma’s new Jersey-based Eastern Edge Films secured the North American rights to the film and is collaborating with Skyline Media on distribution and marketing. This partnership builds on previous successes, including the distribution of “The Real Sister,” the eighth highest-grossing Vietnamese film of all time, and “The Ancestral Home,” which ranks seventh. A senior official stated that Eastern Edge Films is committed to expanding the reach of Vietnamese cinema in North America, recognizing the growing demand for diverse and compelling storytelling-a mission that promises to bring more international voices to the forefront.
The success of thes films demonstrates a growing appetite for international cinema within the North american market, and “Leaving Mom” is poised to capitalize on this trend with its emotionally resonant story and strong performances.
