‘Chrysalis’ premieres at DANAFF 2026 with AI-enhanced post-production

Competing in the festival's Asian Film category, Chrysalis is being screened free of charge and is open to audiences of all ages.

According to producer Sir Daniel K. Winn, the production employed a combination of artificial intelligence (AI), computer-generated imagery (CGI) and automated dialogue replacement (ADR) to refine visual effects and dialogue involving actress Truong Ngoc Anh.

He said the technologies were used to maintain the continuity of the film, rather than reshooting scenes involving the actress following her legal issues.

Directed by American filmmaker Jordan Schulz, Chrysalis is a Vietnam-US co-production inspired by the life of Sir Daniel K. Winn, a Vietnamese-American artist, sculptor, entrepreneur and film producer.

Filming began in Ho Chi Minh City in early April 2025 and was completed after nearly two weeks.

The film follows Daniel, a boy who endures a difficult childhood before growing up in an orphanage and later emigrating to the United States. Through perseverance and a passion for art, he gradually overcomes hardship and discovers a new purpose in life.

According to the production team, the film conveys messages of family bonds, forgiveness, resilience and healing.

Sir Daniel K. Winn said Chrysalis was not only a retelling of his own life journey but also a story about people who overcome hardship to rediscover themselves. Bringing that story to the screen in Vietnam, his birthplace, carries special significance, he added.

DANAFF 2026 brings 13 landmark American films to Vietnamese audiences

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