#United States #Culver City #Chrysalis #Kieu Chinh #Uy Nhan

'Chrysalis' Receives Five Prestigious Awards at LATIFF

In an impressive showing at the 2026 Los Angeles Tribune International Film Festival (LATIFF), the film "Chrysalis" claimed five noteworthy honors, paving the way for its imminent release in Vietnam. The event culminated on August 16 at the renowned Culver Theater in Culver City, California.

Among the accolades, the film won Best Feature Film, while J. Robert Schulz was recognized as Best Director. Kieu Chinh, a distinguished actress with a career spanning nearly seven decades, earned the title of Best Actress, signifying her powerful portrayal in the movie. Notably, nine-year-old Vietnamese actor Uy Nhan received the festival's inaugural Best Child Actor award for his compelling performance as the young Daniel, Cu Đen. The accolades are not just a testament to the film's artistic excellence but also highlight the immense talent of the young actor.

Dr. Emily Letran, co-founder and president of LATIFF, expressed her admiration for Uy Nhan, stating, “His performance had remarkable depth and presence. We are proud to name him the first recipient of LATIFF's Best Child Actor award, and I look forward to presenting it to him in Vietnam.” This level of recognition is particularly thrilling as it precedes the film's nationwide rollout in Vietnam, where it will be unveiled on September 11 through CJ CGV Vietnam.

A Personal Journey

The narrative of "Chrysalis" draws from the childhood experiences of artist Sir Daniel K. Winn, who serves as the inspiration behind the film. It intricately weaves the story of young Daniel's life in 1975 Saigon and the profound relationship he shares with his beloved grandmother, known as Bà Nội, portrayed by Chinh. As witnessed by audiences, the film encapsulates not only a personal tale of growing up but also the broader cultural tapestry of Vietnam.

Sir Daniel K. Winn shared his emotional response to Uy Nhan’s performance, stating, “Watching Uy Nhan portray me as a child was deeply personal. He brought honesty and courage to the role far beyond his nine years.” The film serves as a bridge for those behind the scenes, making it even more poignant that these awards were received just before its introduction to Vietnamese audiences, which enhances the significance of these recognitions.

In addition to the aforementioned awards, Elia Cmiral, the composer, secured an award for Best Orchestral Score for the film's music, adding another layer of appreciation to the film's artistic achievements.

Previous Acclaim and Upcoming Release

The festival accolades come on the heels of "Chrysalis"'s market debut at the Marché du Film in Cannes earlier this year and its selection among 13 entries in the Asian Competition of the DANAFF IV festival. Kieu Chinh's performance during the festival garnered her the Screen Excellence Merit Award, celebrating her remarkable career featuring over 100 film roles.

Opening in Vietnam under the title "Mãi Nợ Một Lời Tạm Biệt," the film retains its international title, “Chrysalis.” This dual naming reflects the film's cross-cultural journey, making it accessible to both local and international audiences.

In summary, the success and accolades received thus far illustrate the film's significance in paving the way for narratives that highlight the richness of Vietnamese stories told through a cinematic lens. As Vu and her team at WS Productions gear up for the official release in Vietnam, anticipation grows among audiences who are ready to experience this touching portrait of heritage and childhood.

This cinematic piece, rich in cultural depth, promises to resonate not only with those familiar with Win's story but also with a global audience eager to embrace diverse stories of the human experience.