Vietnamese Horror 'Arithmadtic' Leads Bee Entertainment's Busan Slate

Overview of 'Arithmadtic'

'Arithmadtic' is set to be the flagship title for Vietnam's Bee Entertainment at the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in Busan. The film, directed by Irving Ly, explores psychological horror through the lens of an elite international school, focusing on a transfer student's mysterious relationship with a teacher amid a backdrop of supernatural occurrences. This film marks a significant step for Vietnamese horror cinema, which has been gaining traction both domestically and internationally.

The Film's Concept and Aesthetic

The narrative of 'Arithmadtic,' known in Vietnamese as 'Cong Tru Nhan Chia,' delves into themes of mystery and the supernatural, set against a backdrop styled after the Dark Academia aesthetic. The story follows a transfer student who forms an enigmatic bond with a teacher, as a series of unexplained incidents disrupts the school's seemingly perfect environment. This approach aligns with the growing trend of psychological horror that emphasizes character depth and atmospheric tension.

Cast and Crew

The film features a notable cast, including Anh Thu, recognized for her role in the 2007 co-production 'Muoi: The Legend of a Portrait,' and Lam Thanh My, known for 'Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass.' Other cast members include Phuong Tra My, Chu Anh Tuan, Cong Ninh, Hoang Minh Hung, and Dac Thang. The director, Irving Ly, has previously gained recognition for his short film 'Close the Eye to See,' which has been showcased at various international film festivals.

Bee Entertainment's Goals at Busan

Bee Entertainment is leveraging the ACFM to secure partnerships for investment, co-development, and distribution, as well as rights licensing deals. The company aims to build on the success of Vietnamese films, which grossed more than VND3 trillion (approximately $114 million) domestically in 2025, outperforming international titles in the local market for the first time. This momentum is crucial as Bee Entertainment seeks to expand its presence in international markets.

Future Releases from Bee Entertainment

In addition to 'Arithmadtic,' Bee Entertainment is preparing three more feature films for release in 2027. These include 'The Step-Mother,' directed by Tran Nhan Kien, which explores the complex relationship between a boy and his stepmother; 'How to Find a Fortune in 60 Days,' directed by Pom Nguyen, which blends action, comedy, and family drama; and 'Dealing With a Ghost,' a horror romantic comedy directed by Le Ha Nguyen. Each of these projects reflects the company's commitment to diversifying its offerings and appealing to a broader audience.

The Series Slate

Alongside its film projects, Bee Entertainment is also presenting three long-form TV dramas at various stages of production. 'The Unrecognized Heir,' an 80-episode family drama, has already garnered significant viewership, amassing 1 billion views across social media platforms since its airing on VTV9 in December 2025. This success underscores the potential for Vietnamese television dramas to capture a wide audience.

Conclusion

As 'Arithmadtic' leads Bee Entertainment's slate at the Busan Film Market, it symbolizes a pivotal moment for Vietnamese horror cinema. The film's unique premise and aesthetic, combined with the company's strategic goals for international expansion, highlight the growing prominence of Vietnamese films on the global stage. Industry stakeholders and audiences alike will be watching closely as these projects unfold, potentially reshaping perceptions of regional cinema.