The highly anticipated war film Tunnels: Sun in the Dark is set to premiere in April 2025, marking the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification.
As the first privately funded Vietnamese war film, it vividly recreates the intense battles fought within the legendary Cu Chi Tunnels - a symbol of resilience during the Vietnam War.
Poster of Tunnels: Sun in the Dark.
At a press conference in Ho Chi Minh City in early March, Director Bui Thac Chuyen revealed that he had spent 11 years developing this project. The film is set in 1967, following a 21-member Cu Chi guerrilla team led by Bay Theo as they defend a strategic intelligence unit from relentless US military pursuit. The underground warfare highlights both the brutal realities of battle and the unwavering spirit of the Vietnamese fighters.
The film took two years to produce, with meticulous attention to historical accuracy. The production team built detailed tunnel replicas at two major HK Film studios and recreated intense surface combat scenes at the Hoa Phu Studio (HTV).
Notably, Tunnels: Sun in the Dark is the first Vietnamese film to feature an extensive lineup of US military weaponry from the war, including M-48 Patton tanks, M113 armored vehicles, UH-1 Iroquois helicopters, and PCF naval boats.
Beyond depicting historical events, the film aims to provide a fresh perspective on the Vietnam War, countering Hollywood’s narratives. Investor Nguyen Thanh Nam said:
“We want to create a film that educates younger generations about history while offering international audiences a more authentic view of the Vietnam war.”
Translated by ĐỖ HƯƠNG
VNQD