Dust of Life (1995 film)


Dust of Life is a 1995 French drama film directed by Rachid Bouchareb. It was nominated for the Academy Award for Best [Foreign Language Film] as an Algerian submission. The film is based on a true story, originally recounted in a novel by Duyen Anh.

Plot

The film takes place after the end of Vietnam War. It tells the story of a Vietnamese boy, Son, born to a Vietnamese mother, and an African-American father who was fighting in the war but has since returned home to the USA. Son is taken away from his mother and confined to a labour camp, where life is harsh and chances of release slim. Together with some other boys from the camp, Son attempts to escape.

Cast

  • Daniel Guyant — Son
  • Gilles Chitlaphone — Bob
  • Jehan Pagès — Petit Haï
  • Éric Nguyen — Un-Deux
  • Leon Outtrabady — Shrimp
  • Lina Chua — Son's mother
  • R. Shukor Kader — Son's father

Accolades

Academy Award
  • 1996: Nominated, "Best Foreign Language Film"
Young Artist Award
  • 1995: Won, "Outstanding Youth Actor in a Foreign Film" - Daniel Guyant & ''Jehan Pagès''