Timothy Linh Bui’s Genre-Bending Film In US Theaters May 2. Initial Launch in 15 Top Markets
Los Angeles, CA (month day, 2025). Dark Star Pictures has acquired U.S. distribution rights to DAYDREAMERS, the groundbreaking Vietnamese vampire thriller from producer-director Timothy Linh Bui (THREE SEASONS, GREEN DRAGON). DAYDREAMERS will premiere in the U.S. with a limited theatrical release in 15 top markets starting May 2nd, with an expanded theatrical rollout to follow. The digital release is set for June 3rd across all major TVOD platforms.
Dark Star Pictures has built a following for its auteur-driven, bold and thought-provoking international and independent film slate. One of the first vampire films ever to emerge from Vietnam, DAYDREAMERS marks a bold new milestone for the country’s genre cinema, blending horror, thriller, and fantasy elements with breathtaking visual effects. The theatrical release will include cities with large Vietnamese diaspora audiences.
“I wanted to tell a story about people who live within the shadows of a modern city,” states Bui. “I was inspired by the Vietnamese riverboat communities, who have been there for decades and are overlooked by those around them. As the ultimate outsiders, vampires are the perfect vehicle to explore that world. They exist in secrecy, live on the margins, and are defined by their need to remain hidden.”
Daydreamers (2025) Official Trailer | Vampire | Horror
Set 400 years ago, this original story reimagines vampire lore in Southeast Asia. As European vampires faced extinction, they fled to Vietnam – then known as Annam – bringing with them the dark curse. The film introduces a dark and gripping supernatural world set in modern-day Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. DAYDREAMERS follows Nhat, a young vampire raised in a secluded river community that suppresses its thirst for human blood in hopes of regaining lost humanity. When his long-lost brother Marco returns with stories of vampires thriving in the big city amongst humans, Nhat is drawn into a dangerous world that tests his loyalty, beliefs, and survival. His fate takes a turn when he meets Ha, a rebellious schoolgirl who uncovers his secret—forcing Nhat to break vampire law in an act of forbidden protection. As Trieu, a ruthless vampire queen, orders their execution, the city erupts into chaos, setting the stage for a final battle between brothers—one embracing the monster within, the other fighting to hold onto his last shred of humanity.
The film showcases breathtaking visual effects that elevate its dark, dreamlike world, blending genre spectacle with grounded emotional storytelling. It also boasts a dynamic cast, including Vietnamese superstar Chi Pu (Trieu). A singer and actress with over 20 million followers. Who became a global sensation after her performance in the hit Chinese reality series “Sisters Who Make Waves.” She’s joined by rising talent, Trinh Thao (Ha), Thuan Nguyen (Marco), and Tran Ngoc Vang (Nhat).
DAYDREAMERS was nominated for six awards at the prestigious Vietnamese 2025 Ngoi Sao Xanh (New Face of the Year) Awards. And won “Best Director” Timothy Linh Bui, “Best New Talent” Tran Ngoc Vang and “Best Production Design” An Do.
Timothy Linh Bui work focuses on Vietnamese and diasporic stories. He brings his signature storytelling to DAYDREAMERS. Timothy is a producer on THE HOUSEMAID which is a release by IFC Films and distributed in 25 countries. Including a remake in the works written by Oscar winner Geoffery Fletcher. He and his brother Tony made THREE SEASONS which won the grand jury and audience awards at Sundance Film Festival. And GREEN DRAGON, winner of the Humanitas Prize. The Bui Brothers credit include inspiring a new wave of Vietnamese filmmakers. Happy Canvas, based in Vietnam, focuses on producing compelling local stories for a global audience.
About Dark Star Pictures.
It is a new-age North American distribution company, focused on bringing unique and targeted content to audiences across the country. We commit to releasing auteur-driven, original cinema in the theatrical, digital and home video space. Our goal is to create original marketing campaigns directly catered to audiences who will embrace our brand of thought-provoking cinema. Dark Star also services distribution companies and producers in the theatrical, digital, and festival space.
About Timothy Linh Bui.
Before Vietnam became a prominent tourist destination, Bui, alongside his brother Tony, produced Three Seasons. A film that has multiple awards at Sundance and is often the inspiration of a new wave of Vietnamese filmmakers. Bui later made his directorial debut with Green Dragon. Which earned him the Humanitas Prize. He has worked with notable actors, including Academy Award winner Forest Whitaker. Also Eddie Redmayne, Patrick Swayze, Ray Liotta, Jessica Biel, and James Caan. Returning to Vietnam, Bui founded Happy Canvas, with the aim of producing films with global appeal. One of its key projects is The Housemaid. It is a release by IFC Films in North America and sold to over 25 countries.
You can comment here. You can also meet us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
INDIE ACTIVITIES
Daydreamers Official Trailer by Timothy Linh Bui: Released by Dark Star Pictures
Daydreamers Vietnamese Vampire Thriller – May 2nd release
Afternooner by The Harrow Brothers: Funniest Movie of the Decade on VOD & DVD April
Freestyle Acquires “Afternooner” for April Release
Where We Stay by Florence Bouvy to Screen at CIFF
Where We Stay | CIFF Selected Drama About Friends Hiding Unspoken Truths
This Place by V.T. Nayani: Two Women in Love for the First Time on VOD & DVD March 25
Freestyle Acquires “This Place” for March Release
