Director Luk Van: "If you want gender equality, don't compare yourself with men"

People in the profession refer to Luk Van as a girl who "does everything" from screenwriter, director to producer, artist manager... there is nothing that the 9X female director and actress does not participate in. She also participates in the 365 music group training project. Friends and family refer to Luk Van as an energetic "sun". So how does Luk Van define herself?

PV: Your films often have the theme of love. Do you think your success in romantic films is due to your femininity?

Partly. Women have a sixth sense and feel more strongly than men, more emotionally. If they make films about love, it is very different from the way men make love films. Men who make love films will have a more masculine perspective, sometimes a bit harsh. Women will have a more poetic, gentle, softer perspective. That does not mean women have an advantage. In the world, there are many male directors who make extremely touching love films that I admire. It depends on each person's experience and the depth of their feelings.

PV: So how is the love in your new movie "When we are twenty-five"?

With this film, the emotional element is not too clear. It is more about the youth pursuing their dreams. In real life, many young people are afraid of being laughed at, afraid of failure, so they do not try their best for their passion. I want to tell the audience to be confident in their dreams. The process may be difficult, the results may not be as expected, but we will receive great lessons in life: experience.

PV: This film was inspired by the time you trained the band in 2015, when you were 25 years old. Ngo Thanh Van is also famous for training and bringing the band 365 to the public. Are you afraid of being seen as a "copy" of your senior?

There was a chance like this. When Ms. Ngo Thanh Van founded the band 365, I was the editor who edited the behind-the-scenes videos of the band. Thanks to that, I knew how the band's preparation process had to start. I also have a passion for training artists. The feeling of watching them from a normal person, grow up and shine is something very refreshing!

I also admire Ms. Van very much. Ms. Van is a strong senior, whatever she says she will do it. However, Ms. Van and I go in two different directions, have different interests. I always learn from the examples of those who have gone before me and apply their experiences in my own way.

PV: You are always full of energy when working. How do you maintain that positivity?

I don't know either (laughs). Maybe it's because I started out with nothing. Usually, if you want to become a director, you have to be famous first. Like many famous actors who then become directors. That will help them approach the profession more easily. I started at film school, studied directing and then became a director, so I did everything. Maybe because I "took on everything" I had more energy.

Personally, I never feel pressured to do many things. Maybe it’s because my mindset is relaxed, not the type to think too much or worry easily. It’s scary to have nothing to do. I never sit still or wait for opportunities. I always create opportunities for myself.

PV: As a rare young female director with a huge film portfolio, do you feel the burden of having to prove yourself compared to other male directors?

I used to think I had to push myself, to be better than men. Later, after experiencing more, I realized that as long as I do my job to the best of my ability, it is okay. Men and women have to work to make a living. Everyone has their own pressure. Successful people are those who develop their abilities to the best of their ability.

If you want gender equality, don't compare yourself to men. Don't be offended when people say, "Girls can do that." As a woman, stop being weak and coy. As a man, be strong and determined. It's your right. But at work, you have to be clear. Once you've made up your mind, you have to do it to the end.

PV: How does Luk Van define himself in today's film market?

Maybe it's because I'm easily embarrassed (laughs). I have a big ego. I consider criticism and negative energy as motivation to go further.

There are films that, although I love them very much, I am still not satisfied and feel regretful. Regretful for not being more meticulous and careful to bring the best to the audience. I am a filmmaker for the audience, whether praise or criticism are valuable opinions. Be a little down. Learn from the mistakes. I will get back on track and prepare for the next project. I have to keep the energy to continue.

PV: What advice do you have for young people who are starting to face the pressures of life?

Learn to communicate. Be confident but not arrogant. Finding the right people to collaborate with will take you a long way. There are no small projects. The more you do, the deeper your experience, the more opportunities will come to you. Learn to accept to start. Do more. Improve your skills. Always be prepared - catch the trend.

Thank you very much!

An Dao