Vietnamese female-led franchise entry “Sister Sister 3” has been picked up by U.S.-based specialty distributor 3388 Films for the Americas, Europe, Australia, Taiwan and Japan.
The deal was closed at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan.
Directed by Nguyen Huu Hoang and produced by Will Vu for Muse Films, the film is the third chapter in one of Vietnam’s most recognized franchises built around women. Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, Chi Pu and Ky Duyen head the cast, with Steven Nguyen and Quoc Anh also starring. The original Vietnamese title is “Chị Chị Em Em 3.”
Set in northern Vietnam of a bygone era, the period piece draws its look from traditional Vietnamese culture. It reworks Thị Mầu, the free-spirited, flirtatious heroine of a classic Chèo play who defies Confucian norms and rebels against feudal prejudice. Chèo is a traditional Vietnamese form of popular musical theater.
In the film, Thị Mầu is a gifted young beauty hemmed in by rigid custom and the demands of her family. Following her own heart pulls her into a tangle of romance, jealousy, hidden truths and forbidden relationships. As private longing collides with honor and social codes, each character has to reckon with what their choices cost.
“We’re constantly seeking daring, character-driven stories that resonate with the global audience and 3388 Films is ecstatic to have acquired such a bold and brazen female-led film,” said Thien A. Pham, founder of 3388 Films.
The film will open in Vietnamese cinemas at the end of October, with 3388 Films’ theatrical rollout across several continents set to follow later this year.
“I’m very excited ‘Sister Sister 3’ will soon be seen by international audiences and proud to be able to share our film which showcases the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture while telling a seductive and emotionally gripping story of love, desire, and secrets,” said Vu.
3388 Films is a production and distribution company that prioritizes theatrical releases and has worked with Asian content for more than two decades, with experience across five continents. Its recent distribution slate includes “Mai,” which became the first Vietnamese film to gross more than $2 million at the combined North America and Europe box office. The company also produced the independent thriller-horror “Actress Wanted.”