Film Screening: Three Seasons
Monday, April 28, 2025
4:00 p.m. | Wolfensohn Hall 

Film Synopsis
Set against the bustling backdrop of post-war Ho Chi Minh City, Three Seasons weaves together four distinct stories, exploring themes of love, loss, hope and change as the characters deal with the remnants of war and the onslaught of westernization.

A young girl, hired to work a lotus pond, comes to the aid of a reclusive master. A cyclo driver becomes obsessed with an ambitious prostitute connected to wealthy foreign clients. A young boy hustles lighters, gum, and cheap watches on the streets. And an American Vietnam vet searches for the daughter he never knew. The disparate, intertwining lives struggle to find identity, human connection, and meaning in a country caught in between its dark past and its uncertain future.

Run time: 1 hr 53 min

Join IAS School of Historical Studies Professor Nicola Di Cosmo and current Member Nataly Shahaf for discussion following the screening with director Tony Bui. 

Director Bio
Bui is a Sundance award-winning writer, director, and producer. He is currently Artist-in-Residence at Columbia University’s Weatherhead East Asian Institute and teaches in Columbia’s School of the Arts graduate film program. His films include Yellow Lotus, Three Seasons, Green Dragon, and The Throwaways. His short film, Yellow Lotus, was the first Vietnamese language film to be screened at the Sundance Film Festival and received over 15 national and international festival awards. His feature film debut, Three Seasons, was the first American-Vietnamese co-production to be filmed entirely in Vietnam. The film received the Grand Jury Prize, Audience Award, and Best Cinematography Award at the Sundance Film Festival, along with two Independent Spirit Awards nominations. Three Seasons was also Vietnam’s official entry to the Oscars, where it was shortlisted. In 2024, Three Seasons was showcased once again at the Sundance Film Festival, chosen as one of ten films from the festival's four decade history to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Tony’s next narrative feature film is based on Nick Ut's iconic Pulitzer Prize-winning "Napalm Girl" photo from the Vietnam War.

Director’s Statement on the 4K Restoration:
The long and emotional journey to restore the film isn’t just about preservation, but about breathing new life into it. It ensures that this timeless story of love, loss, and hope after the Vietnam War can be shared with generations to come. (Three Seasons has been digitally restored in 4K from the original 35mm camera negative and original master 4-track stereo.)

Assistive listening devices are available on site. Please see a member of our staff should you wish to use one during the event.

Register below to attend.