Mokster Films snagged the worldwide rights to the highly anticipated Vietnamese horror film, The Guardian Demon. Slated for release this summer, the film promises an exciting story that combines classic folklore with modern day issues that have become all too relevant. With this news, the film’s premiere is now slated for the world’s most prestigious Cannes Film Festival, where it will be competing in the official selection.
Directed by Tran Trong Dan, who transitioned from producing to directing, The Guardian Demon delves into a story marked by greed and mystery. The story follows a clan’s greedy lord who is determined to lay claim to newfound riches all for himself. As tensions rise, two outsiders arrive: a young girl searching for employment and a budding writer investigating the mysterious death of his aunt. Their respective agendas clash and intertwine across the backdrop of a small, picturesque, remote rice-paddy village, crafting a riveting tapestry of drama, personal conflicts, and competing intentions.
The film features an A-list cast. It brings back lead actors Quoc Truong and Mac Van Khoa, stars of their breakout roles in the action film Bad Blood. They’re accompanied by newcomer Phuong Thanh and Le Nam, who starred in The Ancestral Home. This cast of characters conveys the heart and spirit of the story, establishing a vibrant cultural backdrop that’s more than just window-dressing.
The Guardian Demon aims to explore deeply rooted spiritual traditions passed down through generations while simultaneously condemning outdated customs that hinder individuals from pursuing happiness. This dual focus provides a thought-provoking commentary on societal norms, making it not just a horror film, but a reflective piece on cultural evolution.
The US-based Blue Lantern Co. LLC and V Pictures are the film’s principal backers. V Pictures is connected to the Vietnamese arm of the Korean exhibitor CJ CGV. Their support highlights a major international collaboration’s mission bringing this one-of-a-kind story to audiences across the globe.
Save the date for June 20th! A local release in Vietnam will let audiences in the country plunge headfirst into this hair-raising yarn just after its premiere at Cannes, courtesy of CJ CGV. The Guardian Demon is poised to dazzle audiences both at home and abroad. It’s a unique perspective on horror, steeped in Vietnamese tradition and culture.