Dust & Metal

Discover unfamiliar histories of Vietnam through Esther Johnson’s poetic documentary on the country’s love affair with the motorbike.

Commemorating the 50th anniversary of the end of the American war in Vietnam, Dust & Metal (Cát bụi và Kim loại) combines stunning archive film, contemporary footage and an electronic soundtrack to highlight an unfamiliar history of Vietnam. Showcasing motorbikes at the very core of Vietnam's recent history, this unique film swoops and swoons to the sounds of engines and horns while paying homage to the country's remarkable cinematic history, creating an unparalleled symphony of Vietnamese life.

Through a unique partnership with the Vietnam Film Institute to digitise rare archive film, this Vietnamese-British production repositions difficult to access archive film alongside contemporary footage of Vietnam, and a score composed and performed by Vietnamese artist Xo Xinh. The work takes the form of a creative poetic documentary in the vein of director Esther Johnson’s debut feature film Asunder.