Vietnamese movie 'Karaoke Murder' gets historic four-continent release

A Vietnamese whodunit is making history with its global rollout, according to a report from Variety. The film 'Karaoke Murder' is set to debut on the same weekend in theaters across Asia, North America, Europe, and Australia. Its backers claim this simultaneous multi-continent launch is a first for cinema from Vietnam.

The movie, titled 'Án Mạng Karaoke' in its home country, will open nationwide there on October 30. Per the report, U.S. distributor 3388 Films will handle its release that very same Halloween weekend in multiple overseas markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Norway, Australia, and New Zealand.

The plot follows a former journalist on a mountain pilgrimage with neighbors who must investigate when a hated, karaoke-loving tycoon is murdered overnight, with the isolated group turning suspicious.

Thien A. Pham of 3388 Films told Variety that coordinating an international release with a film's domestic date is a 'significant breakthrough' that builds greater momentum. The film's creative director, Vo Thanh Hoa, said the story is built around karaoke due to its central role in Vietnamese life and its potential to cause fierce neighborly disputes.

Vo also stated that the production company 89s Group's films have grossed over VND600 billion at the Vietnamese box office in recent years, providing a foundation to 'step onto the world stage' with their own voice.