Actress Do Thi Hai Yen, director Bui Thac Chuyen and actress Pham Linh Dan pose during the photocall of Choi voi (Adrift) at the Venice Film Festival

Vietnamese film Choi voi (Adrift) will be the nation’s entry for the official Main Competition at the 7th Bangkok International Film Festival 2009 being held between 24-30 September.

The state-funded film by director Bui Thac Chuyen will compete against seven other films from Belgium, Canada, China, France, Germany, Iran and South Korea.

The film, which explores changes in society and people’s attitudes, premiered at the Venice Film Festival earlier this month, earning plaudits for the Vietnamese film industry.

Bui Thac Chuyen’s graduation film, Night run, won the best student film award (Cinefondation) at Cannes. His first feature film Living in fear (2005) has brought him several national and international prizes.

Chuyen and cast members of the film will arrive in Thailand’s capital city on Thursday to introduce the film.

Another Vietnamese film, Trang noi day gieng (Moon at the bottom of the well) will also compete at the festival in the category for Southeast Asian films.

Reported by Viet Phuong