Life has historically been difficult for women and for 14-year-old May (Nguyen Phuong Tra My) living in the 19th century Vietnam, it is even more so as she is married off to a wealthy landowner as the third wife. Inexperienced at her young age in the biology of her own body as she becomes pregnant, she is taken under the wings of the first two wives and befriends their daughters. Observing of the social dynamics of her new family, it becomes clear to May that her worth is tied to a single overriding priority: she must birth a male heir. As illicit relationships become more clear and their consequences become more tragic, May must choose between living true to her newfound self or risking her place in the only family she has. – Yuxi Lai, Programmer

“Debut director Ash Mayfair delivers a gorgeously intimate, evocative, and melancholy story of female subjugation in 19th-century Vietnam. [B]y focusing with unwavering empathy on the interior life of teenage bride May (Nguyen Phuong Tra My), the remarkable THE THIRD WIFE feels newborn and ineffably modern. Winner of prizes at both the San Sebastian and Toronto festivals, this is the rare debut that derives its freshness not from inexperience but from a balance between compassion and restraint that most filmmakers take decades to achieve.”– Jessica Kiang, Variety

“…aesthetically entrancing…sensitively poetic….”– Neil Young, The Hollywood Reporter

“Sensuously elegant”– John Berra, Screen Daily

Student Admission: $9 – To receive your student discount you must purchase tickets at the box office and show your student ID.

AFS Members receive $2 off.

Interested in seeing multiple films and supporting AAAFF? Festival badges and passes are available at:https://www.aaafilmfest.org/attend/