Ho Thu Anh started out as a model, switching to acting in films since 2020 and appearing in a number of films such as "Saigon in the Rain", "Di den canh lua", "Fanti"... Reporter of Lao Dong Newspaper had a conversation with Ho Thu Anh to listen to her share about the important role in the film of director Bui Thac Chuyen.
Ho Thu Anh is a notable face when appearing in the historical film directed by Bui Thac Chuyen, starring actress Thai Hoa. Can you share about your journey to this role?
- When I saw the casting information, I immediately registered. For a long time, I have dreamed of having the opportunity to work with director Bui Thac Chuyen. At the casting, the crew told me that the film revolves around a group of tourists and everyone will speak Southern voices. I still asked for a audition and promised to learn to speak Southern. After the first day of casting, I thought I had failed, partly because I was lucky to be born in peacetime, only knowing about war through history and documents.
However, I received a call to audition for the next round. After nearly 20 auditions, I auditioned for Ba Huong and acted with actors in other roles. Once, I went to work in Da Nang and the group called back to Ho Chi Minh City for a casting, I bought a plane ticket to return in the morning and then returned to Da Nang at noon to continue the schedule. I really want to have this role. Finally, I was selected after 3 months.
When filming historical films, there will be many differences from films with modern settings such as appearance, film set, working conditions and requiring the actors' knowledge. Do you have many difficulties when participating in a special project like "geography: Sun in the dark"?
- The first difficulty when acting in historical films is that I and some actors of the 8X and 9X generations have never directly felt the spirit and space of wartime. Therefore, director Bui Thac Chuyen took us to Cu Chi, to interact and chat with tourists and historical witnesses of the resistance war against the US. Thanks to that, I can listen to the memories of the old campaign soldiers, understand more about the difficult years of the nation.
The second difficulty is physical problems. Making a war-themed film requires good physical strength and endurance. However, I had to abstain from eating and not drinking to keep the character's skinny appearance. The actors and I had to lose weight to the minimum to be able to go through the topography and realistically portray the image of soldiers. I myself have lost 8 - 9kg for this role.
Fortunately, the crew invested in and built a large geological system with rooms connected to each other and a smooth path below. The setting was so realistic that when I entered the topography, I felt like I was in another world. The weapons, smoke, bullets, airplanes, and tanks in the film are all real, making the actors feel realistic and easily get emotions.
I was really moved to act in that context.
For Ho Thu Anh, what was the experience of acting with actor Thai Hoa and working with director Bui Thac Chuyen?
- As an amateur actor, my acting experience is still modest, I am very pressured when participating in films. Although director Bui Thac Chuyen, Thai Hoa and everyone were very comfortable and open, I was still very nervous.
When I heard that Thai Hoa would participate in the film, I was happy but immediately felt pressured. Mr. Thai Hoa plays the captain, while I play the vice captain, so I interact many times. I feel very lucky to have been instructed by Mr. Hoa and kindly helped.
To me, Thai Hoa is a great actor. I grew up more when acting with him, because he always had the energy to motivate me to act appropriately. Not only Thai Hoa but the entire film crew are close to each other as a family.
Participating in a project recreating the national resistance war against the US, launched on the occasion of April 30, it must be a special milestone in Ho Thu Anh's career. Are there any special moments for you when looking back on this journey?
- I always feel proud to play Ba Huong. I am proud to be Vietnamese and to inherit the achievements of my ancestors after many years of resistance. The members of the tour team and I are close to each other like a family, so every time I film a scene where someone sacrifices, I am very heartbroken and moved.
For half a year, the film crew and I together experienced an emotional "battle". So after the film ended, we were still close, often went out and asked about each other.
She has played the main role since her first film, participating in many projects but her achievements and revenue have not really stood out. After 10 years in showbiz, do you feel ready to find a role that can be more widely covered?
- At first, I also felt impatient. But then I thought, if I could go a long way with acting, it would be very lucky for me. Of course I also want to have an impressive role, but I believe that just keep trying, it could come one day.
With each project, I can only hope that the film will be well received and have the best possible results, but the outcome is beyond my control. No matter what my achievements are, I am always proud and appreciative of the projects I participate in. That is the result of the efforts of the whole crew over a long period of time, so I always feel grateful for those opportunities.
From the villainous role in "Saigon in the Rain", the role of firefighter in "Di den can", it can be seen that Ho Thu Anh always chooses thorny characters with complex psychology. With this determination, do you want the audience to see you as an actress instead of a model?
- I want people to know me as an actor. All of my roles are very challenging and when I overcome them, I feel happy. Looking back on my recent journey, I think that my change direction to acting was also a blessing.
If I were an amateur actor, starting from zero, no one would judge me, I could do anything I wanted with a comfortable mind. Being an actor, model or fashionista is a way for me to express aspects of myself, while also getting to know myself. When the opportunity comes to me, I always nod and accept it. I want to try to see how much I can do.
Acting with the idols and living another life through the characters is a wonderful feeling that makes me want to pursue my passion for acting. As for fashion, it helps me to transform, and at the same time I can appear in public with my own fashion personality.
The modeling profession helped Ho Thu Anh start her career, become more famous and have the opportunity to enter the acting field. So what do movies bring to you?
- When I first became a model, I was a very closed person, shy about communication, and didn't like to go out. In my first film, I was a true white paper, acting instinctively, not knowing how to analyze the character's psychology.
Over the past 10 years, I have become more open, overcome shyness and be ready to accept opportunities and challenges. Through each film, I learn more, have more experiences, learn how to renew myself and I understand that there are many things to explore.
The film "Going towards the Fire" helps me practice my resilience, working in a harsh and challenging environment. Therefore, when filming "The Earth", I was somewhat used to such a fiery environment! I always go to the set with a bare face, then wear dirt and sand. As an actor or model, I am not afraid of being ugly, not afraid of suffering, and not want to limit myself.
I just hope to make new marks in my role.
