The invitation places the Vietnamese feature in TIFF’s highest-profile showcase, reserved for major international productions with strong cinematic and cultural resonance.

Ahead of its international premiere at TIFF, which runs from September 10 to 20 in Toronto, Canada, the film will hit cinemas nationwide across Vietnam on National Day, September 2.

Established in 1976, TIFF is recognized as the largest film festival in North America and a key launching pad for the global awards season, including the Academy Awards. The festival annually draws nearly half a million filmgoers, 5,000 industry delegates, and around 2,000 journalists from across the globe.

Gala Presentation represents TIFF’s most prominent category, highlighting notable works by acclaimed directors that balance artistic excellence with commercial appeal. Selected films are presented at the iconic 2,000-seat Roy Thomson Hall in downtown Toronto, accompanied by red-carpet arrivals and cast Q&A sessions.

Out of 23 films selected for the Gala Presentation this year, only two were chosen from Asia: Vietnam’s Spirit Guardians: The Last Secret of the First Emperor and The Assassin(s) from the Republic of Korea (RoK), directed by Hur Jin-ho and featuring a star-studded cast including Yoo Hae-jin, Park Hae-il, and Lee Min-ho. Standing on equal footing with major global entries, the Vietnamese production delivers a compelling narrative rich in Eastern history, martial arts, and national identity.

During the festival, the Vietnamese entry will also be eligible to contend for major awards, including TIFF’s top honor, the People’s Choice Award, alongside recognitions from the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Network for the Promotion of Asia Pacific Cinema (NETPAC).

Film experts regard the selection as strong validation of Vietnam’s maturing film industry, demonstrating that well-crafted domestic studio projects capable of entertaining mainstream audiences can simultaneously maintain high artistic standards and cultural identity when stepping onto the international stage.