Snail Racing Actor's Dream Comes to Cannes

A Vietnamese short film, "The Dream Is a Snail," is set to premiere in the short film competition at the Cannes Film Festival. This project, originally conceived as a sci-fi action comedy, is now being developed into a feature film titled "Cỗ May Ốc Sen" ("The Snail Automaton").

The narrative centers on Huy, a background actor who takes a peculiar job at a senior rejuvenation workshop. Here, snails race across his body, briefly making him an unlikely attraction. When a more appealing performer emerges, Huy is displaced and becomes consumed by a desire to reclaim his visibility.

The film delves into profound themes of longing, performance, and the delicate balance between being seen and vulnerability. Director Nguyễn Thiên Ân views the snail as a symbol of absurdity, satirizing his own creative process while reminding himself that even unusual dreams can be achieved.

East Films and Kontribute are developing the feature adaptation, with the project selected for Cannes' Focus Co-Pro initiative. This program supports debut feature projects in their early stages through co-production mentoring and industry networking.