A new Vietnamese animated film, Little Scholar Quynh: The Legend of the Golden Buffalo, is set to captivate family audiences across the country with its nationwide premiere on June 20, 2025. This homegrown production not only offers a thrilling adventure rooted in local folklore but also introduces a pioneering dual voiceover format, featuring northern and southern dialects to resonate with diverse regional audiences.
A Tale of Courage and Cultural Roots
Directed by a passionate team of local animators, the film follows the journey of young Quynh, a spirited character whose father is falsely accused of stealing a sacred treasure from the royal court. With the aid of loyal friends and a mysterious buffalo, Quynh sets out on a daring quest to restore his family’s honor. The narrative weaves in elements of Vietnamese mythology, including the menacing Nine-Tailed Fox, whose dark powers threaten to unleash chaos. This storyline, rich with cultural symbolism, serves as a vibrant introduction to Vietnam’s folklore for younger viewers while offering nostalgic depth for adults.
Breaking Barriers with Regional Voiceovers
What sets Little Scholar Quynh apart from other animated releases in Vietnam is its innovative approach to voice acting. The film will be available in two versions, each tailored to regional linguistic preferences. The northern version features actor Tuan Khanh as Quynh, while Bao Tin lends his voice to the character in the southern version. Supporting roles are similarly split, with talents like The Kiet (North) and Thien Nhan (South) voicing Coi Nhi, and Doi Anh Quan (North) and Gia Huy (South) bringing the mystical Nine-Tailed Fox to life. This dual casting ensures that audiences can connect with the story in a dialect that feels closest to home. 
According to the production team, this decision was driven by a desire to honor Vietnam’s linguistic diversity and foster a deeper emotional bond with viewers. “Animation is about more than just visuals — it’s about performance. We believe Vietnamese children deserve top-tier storytelling with voices that do justice to the characters” said a member of the production team. This move marks a significant departure from the norm in Vietnam’s film industry, where animated features are typically released with a single, standardized voiceover.
A Response to Industry Challenges
The release of Little Scholar Quynh comes at a time when Vietnam’s animation sector is grappling with criticism over voiceover quality in local productions. Recent high-profile films have faced backlash for casting celebrities with limited voice acting experience, often prioritizing star power over skill. In contrast, the creators of this film have chosen to work exclusively with professional voice actors and seasoned stage performers, a decision that reflects a commitment to authenticity and quality. This approach could set a new benchmark for future animated projects in the country.
A Milestone for Vietnamese Animation
Launching alongside major international releases this summer, Little Scholar Quynh: The Legend of the Golden Buffalo stands as a testament to the growing ambition of Vietnam’s creative industry. The film not only showcases the technical prowess of local studios but also celebrates the nation’s cultural heritage through its storytelling and linguistic inclusivity. Industry observers see this release as a potential turning point, one that could inspire other filmmakers to explore regional identities in their work.
Looking Ahead
As families across Vietnam prepare to flock to cinemas on June 20, the excitement surrounding Little Scholar Quynh highlights a broader hunger for stories that reflect local values and diversity. Whether this pioneering film will spark a wider trend in the industry remains to be seen, but for now, it offers a heartwarming reminder of the power of animation to bridge cultural divides and bring communities together.
