Children of the Mist is a 2021 Vietnamese documentary film directed by HàLá» Diá» m and produced by Phðáng Thảo Trần and Swann Dubus. It follows Di, a 12-year-old Hmong girl in northern Vietnam, over the course of three years as she approaches adolescence in a community where traditional customs such as bride kidnapping are practiced.
The film documents DiâÂÂs daily life and family dynamics in the village of Sapa. It focuses on her experience with the practice of bride kidnapping, which the film presents in the context of local Hmong customs.
According to the filmâÂÂs press materials, HàLá» Diá» m began filming in 2017 and followed DiâÂÂs life over a three-year period. Diá» m served as both director and cinematographer.
The film premiered at the International Documentary Film Festival Amsterdam (IDFA) in 2021. It later screened at the Cork International Film Festival and DOK.fest München.
Children of the Mist received positive critical reception. Guy Lodge of Variety called it "a first-rate documentary" and noted its "even-handed approach to sensitive subject matter." Phuong Le of The Guardian described it as a âÂÂshattering view of forced marriage in rural Vietnam." Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com wrote that the film âÂÂpacks an emotional punchâ while maintaining an observational tone.