Having gone through a long journey with art, Mai Thu Huyen has made changes when becoming a director, film producer, and is currently opening a training academy on cinema and technology.
Producer Mai Thu Huyen had a conversation with a reporter from Lao Dong Newspaper about life, the long journey she has gone through, and the ambitions she is nurturing.
Mai Thu Huyen once shone brightly, and was widely known to the audience for the role of Truc in the TV series "Candles in the Night". How is filmmaking back then different from now, in your memory?
- The way of making films has changed a lot, from technical machinery to production processes. But there is one thing that cannot be changed, which is emotion and creativity. That is the instinct of an artist that nothing can replace. An artist who wants to go long with the profession needs to constantly innovate and cultivate to avoid following the beaten path.
From model, actress, to switching to production, director... Do you do many jobs, because of passion, or because you want to prove your ability?
- I want to realize my passion by experiencing a truly diverse world. Everything comes to me like fate, so that I have the opportunity to experience each field. The pressures also become motivation for me to try.
I don't like the fact that many women have to face the prejudice of being considered "flower vases" because they have a bit of beauty. I once went through a period of having to endure such a prejudiced view. Therefore, I always sacrifice myself, am determined, and dedicate myself to work.
Currently, you are opening a school to train acting and short film production. What is your assessment of the film market and the current demand for actors?
- I cherish the idea of opening an academy because I myself am always looking for training courses and workshops to learn knowledge. Up to now, I have an ecosystem from training and production so that learners can practice and participate in real projects. When we can integrate technology, AI, and techniques into the production process, both the production side and the audience benefit. I am confident with this training model, and aiming to build a creative community.
The cultural industry is expected to transform strongly, in which cinema, television... are the spearhead industries. Is your ambition for cinema still there?
- My ambition for cinema is increasing. Before, I was only passionate about art and wanted to contribute. But when I determined that cinema is not just a play, I decided to study directing and business administration, accumulate experience and open an acting and film production training academy.
I apply AI technology to every training process and production process. With many colleagues accompanying me and the support of science and technology, I am confident that we can apply it to the creative process, can be more soaring, overcome barriers.
I not only want to participate in production and create for Vietnamese cinema but also inspire and create a launching pad for young talents. I am currently very inspired and expect this new turning point. Therefore, as I said, 2026 is of special significance to me.
What factors do actors, directors, and screenwriters in Vietnam currently need to have to meet the expectations of the film industry, from your perspective?
- In 2025, Vietnamese cinema exploded when there were continuously hundred-billion-VND films. The milestone of hundred-billion-VND films is no longer too difficult to reach. From that phenomenon, management levels have also paid great attention and promoted the development of Vietnamese cinema. Because, for cinema to develop for a long time, we must both focus on investing in filmmakers and pay attention to nurturing the next generation. To make Vietnamese cinema fly far, it needs the joint efforts from many sides.
In recent years, many foreign filmmakers and directors have been invited to Vietnam to share experiences and teach Vietnamese crews. This has also opened up many international cooperation opportunities for Vietnamese filmmakers.
I think that filmmakers, actors... need to supplement good knowledge of foreign languages to be able to take advantage of opportunities to work with international producers. In addition, we need to equip ourselves with knowledge and the ability to apply AI. The spirit of progressiveness and eagerness to learn will help us open up many great opportunities.
Many people believe that only rich people participate in film production, and few people become rich thanks to film production. What do you think about this view?
- People often think that only rich people can learn to make movies, because after graduating, they must have money to make movies. But I think differently. A film producer does not need to use 100% of their capital to make movies. They can draw up projects, go to presentations, "pitching" to attract many investors to participate in the project. They will also manage the project to operate smoothly, achieve good revenue and then reinvest in other film projects.
Previously, the Vietnamese film market did not seem to attach too much importance to the position of producers, and there were even no formal training majors. Schools only train directors, screenwriters, actors, cinematographers, and editors, but do not train producers. I think that without producers connecting and linking sectors, the film cannot be completed. That is why I opened the academy and also trained the role of producer. Because a producer needs to participate in brainstorming ideas, planning investment, calling for investors, choosing crews, organizing production, and distribution. This is a stressful job.
In fact, many producers have had very high salaries thanks to this job. Therefore, all assessments are relative.
You used to participate in production and directing, but the projects did not achieve the expected revenue, and still caused much controversy. In your opinion, looking at the current market, what kind of film will have good revenue?
- Vietnamese films have had diverse innovations in topics, from revolutionary war films to action, horror, spiritual, and family romance films. I watch almost every Vietnamese film that goes to theaters. The topic of the relationship between people will always be the core. Therefore, this topic will always be exploited. Many directors who have grasped the audience's psychology have won big at the box office, and even many first-time directors have achieved certain successes.
Personally, when making films, I also like to follow unique, non-duplicated topics. Like the "Kieu" and "Lac Gioi" projects, they are all very difficult topics to do. My personality always wants to conquer challenges, enrich the theme for Vietnamese films. I want to send meaningful stories and messages to the audience.
Some people jokingly say that the reason Mai Thu Huyen is willing to make films, not afraid of niche audiences, not afraid of losses, is because she is rich?
- Compared to everyone else, what am I? The definition of wealth is infinite, and each person's perception of wealth will be different. I am just a person who pursues passion, wants to do to the end what I have cherished and dreamed of. On my journey, it will be very difficult to avoid unwanted things from happening. The important thing is, after all, I have learned a lesson for myself.
Mai Thu Huyen is beautiful, rich, capable and happy. What way do you want to be praised in the most?
- I want to be praised as a happy person. A happy person can do everything.
