Don’t Cry Butterfly, the debut feature by Duong Dieu Linh, delves into the journey of a 45-year-old housewife named Tam. Through a live TV broadcast, Tam discovers that her husband is involved in an extramarital affair. In a desperate attempt to revive their love, she turns to mystical practices, specifically voodoo. This unique premise sets the stage for a narrative that weaves together elements of love, betrayal, and the supernatural.
Inspiration and Influences
Duong shared that the concept for Don’t Cry Butterfly originated a decade ago when she returned to Vietnam to create her first short film. The central theme revolved around a mother-daughter relationship, where the daughter becomes entangled with a married man. This initial exploration into the dynamics of relationships and the concept of altering destiny through mystical rituals laid the groundwork for her feature film.
The filmmaker draws inspiration from the women in her life, including her mother, aunties, and cousins, who have played a pivotal role in shaping her narrative focus on women, particularly middle-aged individuals. Duong’s personal experiences and observations of Vietnamese cinema, which often depict women as caregivers subjected to mistreatment, spurred her to delve deeper into the complexities of female characters and the challenges they face.
Duong’s cinematic style is heavily influenced by Asian extreme cinema, drawing parallels to visionary directors such as Shinya Tsukamoto, Kiyoshi Kurosawa, and Sion Sono from Japan, as well as Korean auteurs like Park Chan-wook and Kim Ki-duk. Additionally, she finds inspiration in the body horror genre, citing the works of Andrzej Żuławski, David Cronenberg, and John Carpenter as influential in shaping her visual storytelling approach.
One distinctive aspect of Duong’s filmmaking process is her preference for casting non-trained or first-time actors. She values the authenticity and emotional depth that these individuals bring to their characters. Duong actively engages with her actors, delving into their personal experiences to help them embody the essence of their roles. This immersive approach allows for a profound connection between the actors and their characters, creating a sense of authenticity in their performances.
Don’t Cry Butterfly is a collaborative effort from an international production team, including Tan Si En from Momo Film Co, Wilfredo C. Manalang from FUSEE, Nguyen Mai Ka from Kalei Films, and Yulia Evina Bhara from KawanKawan Media. This diverse blend of talents brings a range of perspectives and skills to the project, enriching the creative process and ensuring a well-rounded final product.
Don’t Cry Butterfly stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of love, betrayal, and the intricacies of human relationships. Duong Dieu Linh’s visionary approach to storytelling, coupled with her dedication to portraying authentic and nuanced characters, promises a captivating cinematic experience that transcends cultural boundaries.