Coming Home: Beyond A Moonless Night Opens CinéFranco 2021 in Toronto

Toronto, ON – October 26, 2021 – The powerful documentary Coming Home: Beyond A Moonless Night, directed by Marie-Hélène Panisset and produced by UniAction Films, was honoured as the opening film of the 2021 CinéFranco Festival at the Ted Rogers Hot Docs Cinema in Toronto. This deeply moving feature continues to capture national attention for its stirring portrayal of identity, intergenerational memory, and cultural diplomacy.

The screening marked a significant moment for both UniAction Films and the Vietnamese-Canadian community. As a sequel to A Moonless Night: Boat People 40 Years Later, this new documentary extends the narrative by giving voice to locals in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia to understand the Indochina era. Through poignant personal stories, the film offers an intimate view of reconnection, healing, belonging and the search for understanding our roots.

"This film is an invitation to reflect on the power of roots, memory, and searching beyond what we know to better understand conflict and finding a shared humanity," said Thi Be Nguyen, Founder of UniAction and Executive Producer of the film."We are proud to launch it at CinéFranco, a platform that celebrates cultural expression through the French language and unites communities through film."

The screening of Coming Home at CinéFranco was attended by a diverse audience of filmmakers, cultural leaders, and community advocates. It sparked meaningful conversations about migration, reconciliation, and the historical depth of Vietnam, including its 4,000-year-old heritage and its turbulent path to independence.

Director Marie-Hélène Panisset emphasized the documentary’s mission: “We wanted to explore Vietnam's history and present beyond the Vietnam war—one shaped by memory, hope, and courage. The film sheds light not just on the past, but on the ongoing evolution of a people and a nation.”

The film also serves as a testament to the legacy of Vietnam’s revolutionary leaders, including Ho Chi Minh, and reflects on the impact of the Indochina era and the war’s aftermath on displaced families worldwide.

As part of its commitment to cultural diplomacy, UniAction Films uses storytelling as a bridge between generations, cultures, and continents. The film’s journey—across Canada and back to Vietnam—offers viewers an opportunity to confront the past, embrace diverse perspectives, and celebrate the strength of community.

Following its CinéFranco debut, the documentary will be showcased until November 2nd during CinéFranco as well as other theatres and community forums, reinforcing UniAction’s mission of using art and film for social impact.

In photo: Josiane Farand, Marie-Hélène Panisset, Marcel Lean, Thi Be Nguyen, Sean St-John