There are countless wonderful films to be seen at festivals at home and abroad. So many, in fact, that not all of them reach Dutch film theatres. Luckily, Eye Filmmuseum brings a selection of these films to our country every summer under the banner Previously Unreleased. Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell is definitely part of that selection.
Also to be seen at Rialto.
Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell
In an outdoor bar in noisy Saigon, Thien, who is doubting his faith, is talking to some friends about the meaning of life, when a short distance away there is a serious motorbike accident. He later discovers that his sister-in-law Hanh was killed in that accident. It is now up to Thien to bring the coffin containing Hanh's body back to the village where not only she but also Thien himself was born. Hanh's five-year-old son Dao goes along, of course. He knows he is going to meet his ex-lover Thao there, while somewhere there must also be his brother Tam, Hanh's husband, the man who once abandoned her and Dao. Along the way, Thien meets many people who give him new insights - the journey becomes a spiritual exploration.
This feature debut by Thien An Pham is slow cinema at its best. With long takes, thoughtful zooms and unhurried editing, the Vietnamese director immerses the viewer in Thien's experiences. It earned him the Camera d'Or at Cannes, among other awards.
