The Third Wife is about the struggle of 14-year-old May who enters into an arranged marriage with a much older man in late 19th-century rural Vietnam. (Photo: tiff.net)

This year’s festival attracted 10 films from seven ASEAN member states. The Third Wife is set in  19th century rural Vietnam, and tells the story of a 14-year-old girl who becomes the third wife of a wealthy landowner. After the marriage, she has to struggle with family politics, her own agency, and the prospect of motherhood.

The film has won numerous international prizes, such as Best Artistic Contribution in International Competition awards at the 40th Cairo International Film Festival, RTVE - Another Look Award at the 66th San Sebastian International Film Festival, and Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema Award at the Toronto International Film Festival 2018.