‘Sister Sister 3’ Goes Global as 3388 Films Buys Multi-Territory Rights

By Tom Whitfield

U.S. specialty distributor 3388 Films has acquired Vietnamese female-led franchise film “Sister Sister 3” for the Americas, Europe, Australia, Taiwan and Japan. The deal closed at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan.

The film opens in Vietnamese cinemas at the end of October. 3388 Films plans its multi-continent theatrical rollout for later this year. No specific release dates for the acquired territories were announced.

Who made the film?

Nguyen Huu Hoang directs. Will Vu produces for Muse Films. The Vietnamese title is “Chị Chị Em Em 3.” It is the third chapter of one of Vietnam's most recognized franchises built around women.

The cast is headed by Ninh Duong Lan Ngoc, Chi Pu and Ky Duyen, with Steven Nguyen and Quoc Anh also starring.

What is the story about?

The period piece is set in northern Vietnam of a bygone era and takes its visual language from traditional Vietnamese culture. It reworks Thị Mầu, the free-spirited heroine of a classic Chèo play who defies Confucian norms and rebels against feudal prejudice. Chèo is a traditional Vietnamese form of popular musical theater.

In the film, Thị Mầu is a gifted young beauty constrained by rigid custom and her family's demands. Following her heart draws her into romance, jealousy, hidden truths and forbidden relationships. As private longing collides with honor and social codes, each character must reckon with the cost of their choices.

What does the deal actually change?

For international audiences, it puts a mainstream Vietnamese franchise — not a festival art-house title — into theatrical channels across five territories. For 3388 Films, it extends a distribution record the company has spent more than two decades building across Asian content and five continents.

Its recent slate includes “Mai,” which the company says became the first Vietnamese film to gross more than $2 million at the combined North America and Europe box office. It also produced the independent thriller-horror “Actress Wanted.” 3388 Films did not disclose financial terms of the “Sister Sister 3” deal.

What the buyers say

“We're constantly seeking daring, character-driven stories that resonate with the global audience and 3388 Films is ecstatic to have acquired such a bold and brazen female-led film,” said Thien A. Pham, founder of 3388 Films.

“I'm very excited 'Sister Sister 3' will soon be seen by international audiences and proud to be able to share our film which showcases the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture while telling a seductive and emotionally gripping story of love, desire, and secrets,” said producer Will Vu.

The promises are large; the evidence, so far, is a release schedule and two enthusiastic statements. Whether the film repeats the crossover performance of “Mai” will become clear only when the rollout begins later this year.