British filmmaker Coz Greenop is presenting his latest indie feature, The Last Mermaid, to international buyers at this year’s Cannes market. The film wrapped principal photography in Vietnam earlier this season and stars Jessica Truong (The Sympathizer) and Jack McEvoy (Vikings). Greenop, whose previous work The Last Heist earned him Best Director at the Marbella International Film Festival, has teamed with Mont Fort Films and his own Green 13 Films to bring the project to life.
Greenop wrote and directed the script, which follows Aron (McEvoy), a grieving writer journeying across Vietnam’s coast and highlands. He encounters a mysterious woman (Truong) who guards an ancient, otherworldly secret. Producers Christina de la Sala (Tomorrow) and Donny Chen (Cookster: The Darkest Days) joined Greenop on the producing team, securing “substantial” cooperation from the Vietnamese Film Commission for locations, local crews and logistical support.
“The landscape of Vietnam tested us physically and inspired us creatively,” Greenop said. “Jessica and Jack delivered performances that anchor this story in human emotion, even as it ventures into speculative territory.” Production took place in Halong Bay’s limestone islands, the Mekong Delta’s waterways and secluded villages near Dalat, with each location chosen for its authentic character.
Jessica Truong, a former Miss Vietnam now based in Los Angeles, brings her A24 and HBO experience to the role. Truong’s previous credits include How to Fight in Six Inch Heels and Wifey, Where Are You?. She described her character as “rooted in loss but lit by hidden strengths,” a combination she said required both restraint and physical intensity.
Jack McEvoy reunited with Greenop after their collaboration on It All Comes With the Cold Water. McEvoy’s background in theatre, television and music infuses his performance with layered emotion. “Portraying Aron meant tapping into profound vulnerability,” he explained. “Vietnam’s setting became a character itself, reflecting his inner turmoil and hope.”
Mont Fort Films managed on-the-ground logistics, coordinating permits, equipment and safety measures. Green 13 Films oversaw creative production, ensuring Greenop’s vision remained intact. Both banners worked closely with local line producers to navigate Vietnam’s evolving film incentives and tax rebate programs.
Sales agents at Cannes expressed early interest in The Last Mermaid’s market prospects. Buyers from Europe, North America and Southeast Asia are negotiating rights packages this week. Greenop and his team aim to finalize deals ahead of post-production, where subtle visual effects will enhance—but not overpower—the film’s narrative realism.
Industry observers note that Vietnam’s film commission has become an attractive partner for international projects. Its support for The Last Mermaid mirrors recent collaborations on features from Netflix and Warner Bros., highlighting the country’s diverse locations and growing technical infrastructure.
Greenop is represented by Avatar Entertainment in London and Los Angeles. Truong’s agency affiliations include Image Powerhouse and Alta Global Media; McEvoy is repped by Rebel Management, Alta Global Media and Brand In Motion. De la Sala and Chen bring their own networks from genre and international co-productions.
The Last Mermaid joins a slate of science-tinged romances making the Cannes rounds this year, distinguished by its on-location shoot and emphasis on handcrafted storytelling. With principal photography complete and international rights discussions underway, the film’s creative and commercial trajectory will become clearer once deals are signed in the coming days.
