Director Luk Vân: "If you want gender equality, don't compare yourself to men."

Industry insiders refer to Luk Vân as a "do-it-all" girl, from screenwriting and directing to producing and managing artists... there's nothing this 9X-generation director isn't involved in. She also participated in the training project for the boy band 365. Friends and family describe Luk Vân as a "sun" full of energy. So how does Luk Vân define herself?

Interviewer: Your films often have themes of love. Do you think your success in the romantic film genre is due to your feminine qualities?

That's partly true. Women have a sixth sense and a stronger perception than men, and are more emotional. Making films with a romantic focus is very different from how men make romantic films. Men who make love films tend to have a more masculine, sometimes even rougher, perspective. Women, on the other hand, tend to have a more poetic, gentle, and soft perspective. That doesn't mean women have an advantage. There are many male directors around the world who make incredibly moving romantic films that I greatly admire. It also depends on each person's experience and the depth of their feelings.

PV: So, what about the love in your new film, "When We Were Twenty-Five"?

In this film, the emotional element isn't very prominent. It focuses more on the theme of young people pursuing their dreams. In real life, many young people are afraid of being ridiculed, afraid of failure, and therefore don't try their best for their passions. 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 gain valuable life lessons: experience.

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

It was by chance. When Ngo Thanh Van formed the 365 boy band, I was the editor creating behind-the-scenes videos for them. Thanks to that, I learned about the various stages involved in forming a boy band. I also have a passion for training artists. Watching them grow from ordinary people into mature, brilliant individuals is incredibly satisfying!

I also greatly admire Ms. Van. She is a strong and capable senior figure; whatever she says, she does. However, Ms. Van and I are pursuing different paths and have different interests. I always learn from those who came before me and apply their experiences in my own way.

Interviewer: You're always so energetic when you're working. How do you maintain that positive attitude?

I don't know either (laughs). Maybe it's because I started with nothing. Usually, if you want to become a director, you need to have some fame first. Like many famous actors who then become directors. That makes it easier for them to get into the profession. I started at film school, studied directing, and then went straight to directing, so I do everything. Maybe it's because I "take on too much" that I have more energy.

I never feel pressured when I have many things to do. Maybe it's because my mindset is relaxed; I'm not the type to overthink or worry easily. I only fear having nothing to do. I never sit still or wait for opportunities. I always create opportunities for myself.

PV: As one of the rare young female directors with an impressive filmography, do you feel the pressure to prove yourself compared to male directors?

In the past, I used to think I had to push myself, to be better than men. Later, after gaining more experience, I realized that as long as you do your job to the best of your ability, that's enough. Men and women alike have to work to earn a living. Everyone has their own pressures. Successful people are those who make the most of their abilities.

If you want gender equality, don't compare yourself to men. Don't take offense when people say, "That's fine for a girl." As a woman, feel free to be a little spoiled and vulnerable. As a man, be strong and decisive. It's your right. But in your work, be clear and decisive. Once you've made up your mind, see it through to the end.

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

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

There are some films that, despite my affection for them, I'm still not satisfied with and feel regretful about. Regretful because I didn't put more effort and care into them to deliver the best possible experience to the audience. I make films for the audience, and both praise and criticism are valuable feedback. I feel a little down. I learn from my mistakes. Then I pull myself together and prepare for the next project. I have to maintain my energy to keep going.

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

Learn how to communicate. Be confident but not arrogant. Finding the right people to collaborate with will help you go the distance. There are no small projects. The more you do, the deeper your experience, and the more opportunities will come your way. Learn to accept new beginnings. Do a lot. Hone your skills. Always be prepared – stay ahead of trends.

Thank you very much!

An Dao