- Directed by: Esther Johnson
- Language: Vietnamese with English subtitles
- Year: 2022
- Duration: 82min
- Certificate: TBC
- Type: Film
A special presentation of Esther Johnson’s creative documentary feature film which combines archive film, newly shot footage and contemporary music, bringing unfamiliar stories of Vietnam past and present to the screen for the first time.
Stepping away from Hollywood’s portrayals of the American/Vietnam War, Dust & Metal offers an unorthodox perspective of Vietnam told through the lens of the country’s ubiquitous mode of transport: the motorbike.
In response to the rise of ‘hologram’ performances from ABBA to Elvis, the University of Nottingham and Live Cinema UK have developed a portable hologram cabinet, allowing US-based Vietnamese musician Xo Xinh to ‘perform’ his soundtrack along with the film, before joining live for a Q&A along with director Esther Johnson (in person!). Mirroring the combination of old archive and new footage in Dust & Metal, the hologram cabinet is based on the 150-year-old Pepper’s Ghost illusion, demonstrating a new adaptation of old technology colliding in a unique audiovisual experience.
Developed in partnership with the University of Nottingham.
This screening is part of Star Nhà Ease: Vietnamese Cinema, with the support of the BFI, awarding funds from the National Lottery.