Eastern Edge Films will release the Vietnam–Korea family drama Leaving Mom in theaters across the U.S. and Canada on August 28, partnering with Vietnamese sales outfit Skyline Media. Marketing posts tied to the rollout indicate the film has secured 140-plus locations, with more being added ahead of opening day. A theatrical listing for New York reflects the same date, confirming a North American launch timed to late summer.
The feature, directed by Mo Hong-jin, follows a struggling street barber who must care for his mother as dementia advances, testing a bond frayed by years of hardship. Cast includes Tuan Tran, veteran star Hong Dao, Juliet Bao Ngoc, and a special appearance by South Korean actor Jung Il-woo. Industry coverage has highlighted the film’s production as the first equal 50/50 co-production between Vietnam and South Korea, a milestone for cross-border financing and creative control in the region.
Leaving Mom arrives in North America after a strong run at home. The title opened nationwide in Vietnam on August 1 and quickly became a local hit, surpassing 100 billion VND (roughly $4 million) within six days, according to Vietnamese press, and crossing 150 billion VND in about two weeks. Box Office Mojo data shows the film topping $5 million in Vietnam by mid-August, keeping it among the country’s leaders during the month.
Distributors are framing the North American release as a platform for a broader audience, including Vietnamese diaspora communities and viewers drawn to caregiver narratives. Social posts from the U.S. distributor emphasize a wide footprint and continued theater additions, while Skyline’s U.S. page has been drumming up awareness among fans of Vietnamese cinema stateside. These moves follow a summer of brisk local promotion that included appearances by Jung Il-woo and steady updates on theater counts.
