Luk Van admitted the pressure because this was her most complicated project as the characters were all real in history. The female director said that the story of Cong Nu Ngoc Hoa - who is recorded with many different names between Vietnam and Japan requires caution when handling factors about origin and title. We will discuss further with historians and researchers to ensure accuracy, she said.
The film is scheduled to start filming in May 2026, spending more than 6 months on pre-production and casting. The project is inspired by the love story between Cong Nuong Ngoc Hoa and Japanese trader Araki Sotaro. According to the producer, the film's goal is to recreate the brilliant trading scene of the 17th century and convey a message of love, peace and connection between the two countries.
Luk Van said she had watched an Opera in Japan about Cong Nuong Ngoc Hoa, but hoped the movie version would open up a wider space. She plans to rebuild Hoi An port under the Nguyen Dynasty and recreate Nagasaki port with the support of Japanese experts. I have made many films but have never done a big project like this one. What I care about most is how to make the film have convincing enough content, she shared.
The female director affirmed that she did not chase after the invitation to "guarantee the box office", but prioritized finding suitable actors. The roles of Cong Nuong Hoa and Araki Sotaro will be widely cast nationwide, while some important roles may still be played by famous actors.
The project received initial support from Japanese agencies and the attention of the business communities of the two countries. The film "Cong Nuong Ngoc Hoa" is expected to contribute to exploiting cultural and historical materials to build entertainment products associated with tourism, in line with the current trend of cultural industry development.
