They not only make films to assert themselves, but also contribute to expanding the aesthetic range, diversifying the language of cinema and creating a position for women in an already harsh field. The cases of Dang Thai Huyen, Hong Anh, Ngo Thanh Van and Thu Trang are typical examples.
In the group of outstanding female directors, Ngo Thanh Van and Hong Anh can be considered two pioneers with different approaches but both created a buzz.
With Ngo Thanh Van, she took charge of the projects "Tam Cam: The Untold Story" (2016, co-director) and "Thanh Soi" (2022, director and producer). In particular, with "Thanh Soi", although not having many breakthroughs in terms of box office revenue, with recklessness and determination, Ngo Thanh Van proved that women can completely master the action film genre - a genre that has long been considered the "terrain" of male directors.
In another direction, Hong Anh chose an artistic film career. From a veteran actress, she stepped into the director's chair with the typical sensitivity of someone who lived fully in the character world. Island of the Invalids 2017 is a clear mark, not only winning many domestic awards but also conquering audiences and judges at international film festivals. The film carries a strong human breath, placing people in complex relationships with the community and fate. There, Hong Anh did not chase box office revenue, but persevered with artistic choices, proving that Vietnamese cinema can completely create works with strong philosophy and its own language.
If Ngo Thanh Van opens the door for commercial action films, Hong Anh brings respect to art films.
Recently, Vietnamese cinema also named Meritorious Artist Dang Thai Huyen for a historical film with unprecedented revenue. Dang Thai Huyen is familiar to television audiences through many psychological and social films. When entering cinema, she continued to maintain a simple but profound storytelling style.
Red Rain is considered a memorable mark: The work both evokes history and exploits the depth of the characters psychology. There, the audience clearly saw the hands of an emotional female director who knew how to portray tragedy and human aspirations in a context of change. Red Rain shows that Vietnamese cinema can harmonize revolutionary and everyday elements, while affirming Dang Thai Huyen's perseverance in maintaining her own quality in a competitive market.
Meanwhile, Thu Trang - an actress famous for comedies and movies, surprised everyone when she tried her hand at the role of producer and director. "The Billion Dollar Kiss" is the project that marked that turning point. Although entertaining, the film shows its acumen in grasping the audience's tastes, while opening up a new option for female artists: Not only standing in front of the camera but also being able to master the entire creative process behind the camera.
It can be seen that Vietnamese female directors do not follow a single model. It is this diversity that has contributed to enriching the picture of Vietnamese cinema, where women are no longer an "expectation", but an important factor in the process of creativity and innovation.
In the future, the audience has the right to expect a new generation of female directors after names like: Ngo Thanh Van, Dang Thai Huyen to continue to inherit and promote the values that the previous generation has affirmed.
