The Island
Synopsis
The Island is a short film shot entirely on Pulau Bidong, an island off the coast of Malaysia that became the largest and longest-operating refugee camp after the Vietnam War. The artist and his family were some of the 250,000 people who inhabited the tiny island between 1978 and 1991; it was once one of the most densely populated places in the world. After the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees shuttered the camp in 1991, Pulau Bidong became overgrown by jungle, filled with crumbling monuments and relics. The film takes place in a dystopian future in which the last man on earth - having escaped forced repatriation to Vietnam - finds a United Nations scientists who has washed ashore after teh world’s last nuclear battle. By weaving together footage from Bidong’s past with a narrative set in its future, Nguyen questions the individual’s relationship to history, trauma, nationhood, and displacement.
Top Cast
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Release History & Theatrical Window
March 17, 2017
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Tuan Andrew Nguyen
- Original Title
- The Island
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 42m
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Tuan Andrew Nguyen
Department Leadership Roster
Tuan Andrew Nguyen
Director
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Island.
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Island
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Island about?
The Island is a short film shot entirely on Pulau Bidong, an island off the coast of Malaysia that became the largest and longest-operating refugee camp after the Vietnam War. The artist and his family were some of the 250,000 people who inhabited the tiny island between 1978 and 1991; it was once one of the most densely populated places in the world. After the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees shuttered the camp in 1991, Pulau Bidong became overgrown by jungle, filled with crumbling monuments and relics. The film takes place in a dystopian future in which the last man on earth - having escaped forced repatriation to Vietnam - finds a United Nations scientists who has washed ashore after teh world’s last nuclear battle. By weaving together footage from Bidong’s past with a narrative set in its future, Nguyen questions the individual’s relationship to history, trauma, nationhood, and displacement.
Who directed The Island?
The Island was directed by Tuan Andrew Nguyen.
Who stars in The Island?
The principal cast of The Island includes Phạm Anh Khoa, Donika Do Tinh.
When was The Island released and how long is it?
The Island was released in 2017 with a total runtime of 42m.