In a recent interview, Thu Ky shared for the first time the reason for switching to directing films. According to the actress, the origin of this decision started from a conversation with director Hau Hieu Hien in 2011.
Thu Ky recalls: Around 2011, I fell into a crisis period with my acting career. I always felt stuck in a fixed shoulder frame, not knowing what to do next.
At that time, in commercial films, I mainly played the role of attractive or flexible, lovely women. The audience's reaction was very good, but I always felt something was missing."
At that time, director Hau Hieu Hien suddenly asked Thu Ky: "Do you want to be a director?".
The actress was stunned and did not have time to react. But director Hau added: "If I don't try it, how can I know?". It was this saying that caused Thu Ky to make a bold decision in her career.
Thu Ky's debut film, "Girl", has entered the main competition category of the 82nd Venice Film Festival (2025) and will have a global premiere.
As soon as Thu Ky took on the role of director in her first work, she had the opportunity to step onto the stage of one of the world's leading film festivals.
Thu Ky shared that at first she was very surprised by director Hau Hieu Hien's proposal. Because in her eyes, the director is the one who must know how to manage everything from understanding the script, the camera, and knowing how to coordinate with the actors. Thu Ky is an actress, so she thought she could not do that.
But director Hau advised Thu Ky sincerely: Everything starts with not knowing. I have acted for many years, worked with many directors, and I definitely have my own idea in my heart. If I don't try it, how can I know if I can do it or not?".
The advice of her seniors turned Thu Ky's hesitation and confusion into excitement and curiosity. Since then, she has been quietly preparing her capital for herself.
On set, Thu Ky observed more the director's work such as discussing scripts, filming angles and recording. When Thu Ky was asked about how to work, the directors also actively shared with her.
The beauty born in 1976 said that the process of accumulating experience to become a director for her took nearly 10 years. It was not until 2023 that Thu Ky felt that she had "prepared enough" and made her first film project "Girl" as a director.
Thu Ky shared that her film was created after a long process of observing the maturity of women. Thu Ky did not choose a famous actor to play the main role but gave the role to a new face.
Meanwhile, as an actress, Thu Ky still proves her ability when having outstanding works. The film The Resurrected produced by Netflix, starring Thu Ky, will have a global premiere at the 30th Busan International Film Festival.
The movie Resurrection (The Wild Red Sea Times) starring Thu Ky and Yi Yang Qianxi won a special award (Prix Special) at the 25th Cannes Film Festival.
Thu Ky joined the entertainment industry at the age of 17 as a model. After that, she turned to acting, becoming a top star on the Chinese screen with many outstanding works such as The Transporter, Sword Guard, My Wife is gangster 3, The Tomb Thief, The Best moment, The Bustling City, Ma Thang Lam...
Thu Ky is recognized by experts with 2 Golden Horse Awards, 1 Golden Bieu Award and many other awards.
