Chau, Beyond the Lines

Chau, Beyond the Lines (previously known as: War Within the Walls) is a 2015 American short-documentary film about a 16-year-old disabled by the effects of Agent Orange, who aspires to become an artist and clothing designer. It is directed by Courtney Marsh and produced by Jerry Franck and Marsh.

Chau, Beyond the Lines
Film poster
Directed by	Courtney Marsh
Written by	Courtney Marsh Marcelo Mitnik
Produced by	Jerry Franck Courtney Marsh
Starring	Le Minh Chau
Cinematography	Courtney Marsh
Edited by	Courtney Marsh
Music by	Steve London
Production company	Cynasty Films
Distributed by	Seventh Art Releasing
Release dates	February 8, 2015 (2015-02-08) (Big Sky Documentary Film Festival) August 21, 2015 (2015-08-21)
Running time	34 minutes
Countries	United States Vietnam
Language	Vietnamese

Chau, Beyond the Lines was shortlisted with nine other documentaries from 74 entries submitted to 88th Academy Awards in Documentary Short Subject category,^[1] and eventually received a nomination.^[2]

Background

The documentary shows the lasting effects of Agent Orange, a chemical sprayed over the Vietnam jungles during the Vietnam War by the United States to deprive the Northern Vietnamese Army of their food and cover. After 20 years of war, Chau, a teenager living in a care center, is disabled by the effects of this chemical. With a rare disability in his arms and legs, Chau is repeatedly told that his dream of becoming a professional artist is impossible. Filming extended over 8 years.^[3]

Awards

• 2015: Austin Film Festival – Grand Jury Award – Best Documentary Short Film
• 2015: USA Film Festival – National Jury Award – Documentary Short Film
• 2015: Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival – Grand Jury Award – Best Documentary Short Film
• 2016: Irvine International Film Festival - Grand Jury Award - Best Documentary Short Film
• 2016: Academy Awards – Nomination – Best Documentary – Short Subject.