Dust & Metal is a creative documentary stemming from director Esther Johnson’s field research in archives of the Vietnamese Film Institute. The documentary combines archive film, contemporary footage, and music to offer a unique perspective on Vietnam through the lens of its ubiquitous motorbike culture.    

Through the repositioning of difficult to access archive film, contemporary footage, and a live score composed and performed by Vietnamese artist Xo Xinh. Dust & Metal makes rare archive film available to new audiences, and illuminates unfamiliar histories of Vietnam. The script integrates extracts from oral history interviews Johnson made with eminent Vietnamese filmmaker Trần Văn Thủy; and with visual artist Đặng Ái Viet.  

Screening as part of the Star Nhà Ease: Vietnamese Cinema season, presenting a captivating collection of Vietnamese cinematic treasures. Co-curated by Cường Minh Bá Phạm, Esther Johnson and Tuyết Vân Huỳnh, this season is both a celebration and introduction of Vietnamese cinema to UK audiences.

Star Nhà Ease: Vietnamese Cinema Season is supported by the BFI Audience Project Fund, awarding National Lottery funding, the British Council and Longdan Ltd.