Production: Đại Hải Trình

Written by: Trần Phương Nga 

Hồ Chí Minh City, 11/2024

1. Genre: Short film. 

2. Time: 10 minutes.

3. Idea summary

Dương is a final-year university student working on a graduation project about local culture. The topic he chose is Long Hải town (Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu). He travels to Long Hải and explores its landmarks: Dinh Cô, Mộ Cô, Minh Đạm Mountain, and the Nước Ngọt Pass. Unfortunately, his motorbike breaks down, and while he’s struggling with it, a young man arrives and helps him fix it. The next morning, while engrossed in taking photos, Dương accidentally runs into Hải—the same person who helped him the day before. From the scent of the sea, a simple meal, scenes of daily life, freshly caught fish, fishing boats, to the sunrise... all the small, intimate details of the locals’ lives begin to seep into Dương’s perception. The two of them wander through the town together, trying local dishes. By late afternoon, they sit quietly at a secluded spot. As they talk and share their thoughts, Dương realizes the beauty of the local culture hidden within the emotions he and Hải are experiencing.

4. Character Traits / Character Direction

- Dương: Enjoys photography/filming, attentive listener, curious explorer. Gentle and studious appearance, with a well-proportioned build.

- Hải: Cheerful, open-minded, easygoing, and enjoys sharing. Sun-tanned skin, athletic build, wears casual clothing typical of a coastal fisherman.

5. Literary Script

SCENE 1. INTRO 

VOICE OFF: A southern sea, draped in peaceful beauty, yet full of allure. So amidst unfamiliar roads, each step begins to feel familiar as if our soul had once been here before.

SCENE 2. EXTERIOR – BEACH – MORNING

Dương walks barefoot on the sand, the vast sea stretching out before him. He takes photos as he walks, occasionally pausing to take in the serene, gentle beauty of the ocean. 

VOICE OFF: In Long Dat District, Ba Ria - Vung Tau Province, with just under 11 square kilometers, anyone can take in historic sites, cultural landmarks, and the mouthwatering dishes that fill every corner with their scent. But this time, we’re not just here to explore the beauty—we’re stepping into the world of those who truly belong to this place. You’re wondering where is this? We’re in “LONG HẢI”. 

Dương walks along that path.

[Title of the film appears, fading out with the character's movement] 

SCENE 3: EXTERIOR - ROAD (SEA) - MORNING

Dương walks up from the beach. He tries to lift his bike but struggles. Just then, a young man approaches. Dương gets off the bike.

Hải: Oh? Is the motorbike broken?

Dương: I don’t know. I’ve been trying to start it, but it won’t turn on. Do you know where I can get my motorbike fixed? Mind showing me?  

Hải: It won’t start? Alright, let me take a look. If I can’t fix it, I’ll just take it over to the shop. 

Hải gets on Dương's bike, tries to start it a few times, and the engine finally starts. Hải gets off the bike. Dương sits on the bike, smiling, and says: It works.

Hải takes the bike and says to Dương: I’ll head off first, okay? 

Dương: Thank you so much. 

Dương takes out his notebook and opens it. Inside, there are listed locations he has prepared. Dương looks up. A new location appears. [transition]

SCENE 4. EXTERIOR - DINH CÔ - MORNING

Dương admires the scenery at Dinh Cô. A few people are offering prayers inside the temple, and the incense smoke rises gently, adding a mystical, spiritual atmosphere to the space.

VOICE OFF: Dinh Co, perched on a hillside facing the sea, is a place where spiritual depth meets stunning natural beauty. With its ancient architecture painted in vibrant red and gold, it stands out as a cultural symbol, preserving the historical and spiritual values of coastal life.

And perhaps that’s why we feel a sacred stillness in the soft trails of incense smoke, in the gentle chime of wind bells carried by the sea breeze.

They say… before setting out to sea, everyone comes here to pray—for safety, for calm seas, and for favorable winds.

SCENE 5. EXTERIOR - MỘ CÔ - MORNING 

VOICE OFF: If you’ve made your way to Dinh Co, you simply must visit Mo Co as well—a sacred site tied to the legend of “Co,” a young, gentle, and virtuous woman, revered by local fishermen as a guardian spirit.

Peacefully resting on a small hill just about a kilometer from Dinh Co, the shrine is surrounded by greenery and open space, creating a serene, nature-filled atmosphere.

Though its architecture is modest, Mo Co holds a quiet dignity. Every detail has been lovingly cared for, reflecting the deep respect and devotion of the coastal community.

Standing at Mộ Cô, we always feel as if we are being protected by the sacred atmosphere, blending with the soothing sound of the waves and the refreshing breeze from the ocean.

SCENE 6. EXTERIOR - MINH ĐẠM MOUNTAIN - MORNING

Dương climbs the mountain, taking photos.

VOICE OFF: Minh Dam Mountain takes its name from two fallen revolutionary soldiers—Bui Cong Minh and Mac Thanh Dam. Now recognized as a national historical site, it has become an ideal destination for visitors, home to over 300 caves, vast forests, a rich ecosystem, and a variety of wild animals.

Immersed in nature and surrounded by a landscape echoing the heroic past, you’ll find a sense of peace and freedom deep within your soul. Every rock, every path here bears the marks of hardship and glory from years long gone.

And when you finally conquer Minh Dam Mountain—overcoming a route, a challenge—you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views, crisp mountain air, and clouds so close they seem to float right through your fingertips. That’s when you realize: every ounce of effort was absolutely worth it.

Dương reaches the mountain peak and looks out into the distance. It feels as though the entire scenery of the town is captured within the small frame of his gaze.

SCENE 7. EXTERIOR - ĐÈO NƯỚC NGỌT - AFTERNOON (SUNSET)

VOICE OFF: The sunset over Đèo Nước Ngọt is a moment that no words can fully capture. The sun gradually sets, its light spreading softly across the mountain pass, it dyes the sea and the mountains in a warm, golden hue.

The sea breeze blows, carrying with it the distinctive salty scent along with the tranquility of the surroundings. Occasional vehicles glide by the sound of the engine hums softly, then fades away returning the stillness to its rightful place. Gió biển thổi lên, mang theo hương mặn mòi đặc trưng, cùng với sự yên ả của không gian. Đèo Nước Ngọt is not only beautiful for its scenery, but also for the feeling it evokes - a touch of peace, a hint of freedom, and an indescribable connection with nature. 

SCENE 8. EXTERIOR - FISHING VILLAGE - MORNING (SUNRISE) 

The sun rises over the sea as Dương stands beneath the morning light. He picks up his camera and continues his journey.

Around him, people bustle with excitement and energy. Dương lifts his camera, observing and capturing the lively scene. Suddenly, through his lens, he spots a familiar figure—it's Hải, the one who helped him fix his bike. Hải is pulling in fishing nets on the sandy shore.

Dương lowers his camera and calls out loudly: “Hey!”

Hải turns toward the voice, freezes for a moment—he recognizes Dương.

Dương runs toward Hải. Hải pushes the boat ashore, then walks over to meet Dương.

Dương: Do you miss me? We just saw each other yesterday.

Hải: Oh right, I remember now. Hey, where are you off to?  

Dương: I’m out gathering materials for my upcoming tourism design project. Check this out. 

Dương holds out his camera for Hải to see. Hải looks at the photos, smiling with delight.

Hải: It’s nice, but kinda feels like it’s missing a little something. 

Dương: Wait, what do you think it’s missing? 

Hải: These things

Hải turns to look at the fishing village scenery.

SCENE 9. EXTERIOR - FISHING VILLAGE - MORNING

The two walk past fishing boats, stalls of fish, squid, and other seafood. Hải picks up a live fish and grins, proudly showing it to Dương, who captures the moment with his camera. Many people are pulling in their nets from the sea. They wear sun hats and clothes dampened slightly by seawater. Their sun-tanned, strong bodies move energetically across the damp sand.

SCENE 10. EXTERIOR - MARKET - MORNING 

Hải gives Dương a ride into the market, where they watch people buying and selling with one another. They enjoy bánh khọt and sweet soups together, then stroll around the town, taking in its sights and sounds.

SCENE 11. EXTERIOR - BEACH - AFTERNOON 

In the late afternoon, Hải takes Dương back to the beach. The area is now lively with people swimming in the sea, and colorful kites flying high in the sky—so different from the quiet midday scene the day before. The two sit on a large rock in a quieter spot. In front of them, the sun slowly sets over the horizon.

Dương: Long Hải, turns out it’s even more beautiful than I imagined.

Hải [smiles softly, eyes gazing into the distance]: But do you know? The fishermen like us have had to struggle with life. The sea isn’t always as generous as you might think. And on stormy days, the whole village seems to lose sleep and appetite. People like us have to struggle every day for our livelihood. 

Dương: Surely, everyone must have had a really tough time. 

Hải: Yeah, that’s true. But we don’t always just depend on each other. Sometimes, we find joy in the smallest things. Did you see it this morning? Everyone was laughing and chatting happily while pulling in the nets. It wasn’t just joy because of the abundance of fish but also the joy of working together. The beauty isn’t just in the soul of each person but sometimes, it’s also found in the hearts of others. 

Dương: Got it!

Hải: But if you’re going to tell me about this place, don’t just focus too much on all the beauty. Telling everyone about the deepest pains as well so that when they hear it, or read it. Even though they don’t live here they can feel the value in every drop of seat shed by the fishermen in our village. 

The two of them gaze at the sunset together.

THE END

REFERENCE

Căn cứ Minh Đạm – Một thời ghi dấu. (n.d.). Dcs.Vn. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://www.baria-vungtau.dcs.vn/article?item=8dbbf0a46c02f4b96f89002994fcad09 

Khu du lịch Đèo Nước Ngọt Phước Hải. (n.d.). Gov.Vn. Retrieved May 1, 2025, from https://ittpa.baria-vungtau.gov.vn/article?item=f2873e7bb19a17dd85f44fd3ba530350

Nguyen T. (2022, September 23). Kinh nghiệm du lịch Long Hải tự túc chi tiết nhất 2025.Traveloka.https://www.traveloka.com/vi-vn/explore/tips/kinh-nghiem-du-lich-long-hai/168215

Nhiên N. T. M. (2023, April 14). Khám phá Núi Minh Đạm - địa danh hào hùng của dân tộc. Traveloka. https://www.traveloka.com/vi-vn/explore/destination/nui-minh-dam-vung-tau-acc/159022

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