Ho Chi Minh City — International drama Chrysalis has wrapped principal photography in Vietnam and released its first-look images, offering a glimpse into the film’s 1970s war-era setting.
The film is a collaboration between WS Productions — led by Sir Daniel K. Winn and Randall J. Slavin — and Vietnamese producer Trương Ngọc Ánh. The production included extensive location shoots and the construction of a large-scale village set designed to authentically reflect the period.
Set in 1970s Vietnam during wartime, Chrysalis tells the story of a young boy struggling to find his place in a chaotic world. Guided by the wisdom of his grandmother and haunted by memories of a broken family, the narrative draws from Winn’s own childhood experiences between the ages of six and nine. The script is adapted from his upcoming memoir.
The film stars acclaimed actress Kieu Chinh, 88, who returned to Vietnam after more than a decade to play the central role of the grandmother. Chinh is best known for her performance in The Joy Luck Club and her work on award-winning documentaries. She appears alongside Nguyen Vu Uy Nhan and Winn himself.
Directed by J. Robert Schulz, Chrysalis features an international production team, including producers David Hopwood and Tiến Phạm, as well as Winn and executive producer Randall J. Slavin.
Vietnamese film star and producer Trương Ngọc Ánh led the local production. Known for her work on The White Silk Dress, Hương Ga, and Abduction, she called the project both challenging and rewarding.
“This has been an ambitious project,” said Trương. “But with the dedication, passion, and talent of our team, I believe we will deliver something truly impactful. We’re excited for the release in Vietnam, the U.S., and around the world.”
Chrysalis marks a continued expansion into cinema for Winn and Slavin, who are also partners at Beverly Hills-based Winn Slavin Fine Art. Their earlier award-winning short films Creation and Ectropy form part of a trilogy rooted in Winn’s artistic philosophy of existential surrealism, exploring themes of chaos, order, and the human condition.
“Vietnam is a country full of cultural depth and beauty,” said Winn. “Working with Trương Ngọc Ánh and her team has been an honor. Chrysalis is more than a film — it’s a cultural bridge between Vietnam and the world.”
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