Top 14 Most Renowned Film Directors in Vietnam

Le Thanh Son is a well-known film director and producer in Vietnam, best known for his work on the hit movie 'Bai Rong' which he directed. Prior to this, he served as the assistant director for popular TV dramas such as 'Ao Lua Ha Dong' and 'Dong Mau Anh Hung'. He is also recognized for his role as the producer of films such as 'De Mai Tinh', 'Long Ruoi', 'Saigon Yo!', 'Lua Phat', 'Am Muu Giay Got Nhon', and 'Cu Va Chim Se Se'. In 2005, his short film 'Toi La Ai' won the Best Short Film award at the Golden Kite Awards. Over time, Le Thanh Son has become a household name among those passionate about Vietnamese cinema. He has played a significant role in many successful projects loved by both the academic film community and the general public. Notably, he is also one of the few directors in Vietnam to have joined the '100 Billion' club with the blockbuster hit 'Em Chua 18', which took the box office by storm.

Bui Tien Huy is a renowned Vietnamese director, known for his impactful cinematic works such as 'Zippo, Mustard and Me', 'Love and Ambition', 'The Sunny Days', and his recent prime-time film 'Us, 8 Years Later'. Born on September 21, 1983, in Hanoi, Bui comes from a deeply artistic family. He is the only son of People's Artist Bui Dac Su, a renowned Cheo artist and former director of the Vietnam Cheo Theatre, and his mother, Hoang Tan, a former actress at the Central Cheo Theatre.

Influenced by his family's artistic heritage, Bui Tien Huy demonstrated early exceptional talent in filmmaking. His work is not just a career but a continuation and evolution of his family's cultural legacy. His films often explore themes of life, love, and human values, drawing the attention and trust of audiences.

Tran Anh Hung (born December 23, 1962) is a French-Vietnamese director, best known for his contemporary filmmaking style that often explores themes related to Vietnam. He is the director of 'The Scent of Green Papaya' (L'Odeur de la papaye verte), the only Vietnamese film to date to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film. In addition to this, Tran Anh Hung has received numerous other film awards.

As one of the rare directors in the Top 10 Most Famous Vietnamese Directors with French roots – as opposed to the more common American heritage – Tran Anh Hung’s films are infused with French artistic sensibilities, characterized by their subtle, introspective, and romantic style. His films, such as The Scent of Green Papaya (1993), Cyclo (1995), and Vertical Ray of the Sun (2000), are known for their visually stunning and deeply artistic cinematography. His talent was further acknowledged when he was chosen by Japan to direct the adaptation of the classic literary work Norwegian Wood (2010).

Born in 1974 in Thai Binh, Vu Ngoc Dang is one of the few directors in Vietnam known for creating films that achieve both commercial success and artistic acclaim. He graduated as the top student in his class and made a notable impact with his short film 'The Rat Couple'. This film was selected for the International Student Film Festival in Israel in June 2001, though Vu was unable to attend the event.

Vu Ngoc Dang is perhaps the only director on this list whose national recognition came primarily through television. After the success of his series 'Suddenly Want to Cry' (2008), he solidified his reputation with a second collaboration with actors Tang Thanh Ha and Luong Manh Hai on the feature film 'Beautiful Each Centimeter' (2009). He later worked with Luong Manh Hai again on several other successful projects, both in cinema and television, such as 'Rebellious Boys' (2011)', 'Walking and Crying' (2014)', and '56-inch Waist' (2016).

Nguyen Quang Dung, also known as Dung 'Crazy', was born on January 18, 1978, into a family with a well-known writer father (Nguyen Quang Sang). Despite this literary background, Nguyen Quang Dung chose to pursue a career in filmmaking. In 1999, he graduated with honors from the first Director of Photography class at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinematic Arts.

His career took off when he worked as assistant director on the film 'Vũ Khúc Con Cò' (directed by Nguyen Phan Quang Binh), a joint Vietnam-foreign production about the Vietnam War. Nguyen Quang Dung first gained recognition from moviegoers in 2008 with two successful films: 'The Kiss of Death' and 'The Soul of the Flesh', which appealed to students, young professionals, and the working class. The success of these comedies paved the way for his further works such as 'Radiant Kisses' and 'Rescue the Death God' in 2009. To this day, his 2013 film 'The Beauty Trap' is considered a significant milestone in his filmmaking journey.

Charlie Nguyen, born Nguyen Chan Truc on November 25, 1968, in Saigon, Vietnam, is a filmmaker, stage director, screenwriter, comedy writer, and film producer of Vietnamese descent, based in the United States. He has served as the principal director for numerous stage productions and documentary specials at the Vân Sơn Center for many years. He is also the older brother of martial arts actor Johnny Trí Nguyễn, and the two are cousins of the talented artist Nguyễn Chánh Tín.

Charlie Nguyen played a pivotal role in launching the career of actor Thái Hòa. His films are often produced with a flair that rivals Hollywood productions, with both his comedy and action films displaying a distinctive Hollywood style. His impressive filmography includes 'Teo Em' (2013), 'The Hustler' (2013), which was banned for its graphic violence, 'Tomorrow Will Be Better' (2010), 'Long Roi' (2011), 'Marry Me Now or Never' (2012), 'Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon 2' (2016), 'I’m Not 18 Yet' (2017), and 'My Husband's Wife' (2018).

Le Hoang, born January 20, 1956, in Hanoi, is a renowned Vietnamese film director. He first gained recognition in the 1990s for his work on serious, artistic films such as 'The Razor's Edge' and 'Across the Great Wall'. In addition to his directing career, Le Hoang has contributed articles to newspapers such as Tuoi Tre Cuoi and Sports & Culture, often writing under the pen name of his wife, Le Thi Lien Hoan, and using a distinctive satirical or fictional interview style.

Le Hoang is the only director in Vietnam's Top 10 most famous filmmakers to gain notoriety for his sharp, satirical public statements. Rather than focusing solely on his filmography, he is widely recognized as a TV game show judge and talk show host. However, this should not overshadow his success with the 2001 film 'Girls Dance', a highly entertaining movie that set him apart from other directors on the list, who are known for their more serious, meaningful artistic films.

Cuong Ngo, full name Ngo Quoc Cuong, was born in 1978 in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He studied Acting at the Ho Chi Minh City University of Theater and Cinema. During the production of the film 'The Quiet American,' Cuong Ngo had the good fortune to meet Canadian producer Doug Dalesa, who encouraged him to study film in Canada. In 2005, Cuong Ngo moved to Canada to pursue a degree in Screenwriting and Directing at York University, drawing him closer to his artistic ambitions.

Although Cuong Ngo isn't frequently in the media spotlight, his name is undeniably part of Vietnam's Top 10 most famous directors. With a passion for bringing Vietnamese cinema to the world, Cuong Ngo has lived in the U.S. and studied filmmaking in Canada, and now he is steadily developing his own unique style. His works, though few in number, are each a creative experiment. His notable films include 'The Golden Comb' (2009), 'Huong Ga' (2014), 'The Pearl of the Far East' (2012), and the latest comedy 'Once Upon a Time' (2015).

Tran Ham, born Tran Quang Ham in 1974 in Ho Chi Minh City, is a Vietnamese-American director, film producer, screenwriter, and editor. He immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 8 in 1982. As he grew up, Tran Ham pursued his passion for filmmaking, specializing in direction, production, screenwriting, and editing. He is also a close friend of actor Lam Nguyen, with whom he collaborated on film projects for the Vân Sơn Center, notably working on documentary pieces.

Tran Ham's debut film, 'The Death Anniversary' (2003), impressed critics and won 25 international film awards for short films. It even reached the semi-finals at the Oscars. After the success of his second film, 'Crossing the Waves' (2007), which also dealt with the Vietnam War theme, Tran Ham shifted his focus to commercial films, achieving significant box office success with movies like 'The Plot of High Heels' (2013), 'Soul Snatcher' (2014), and 'The Master Thief' (2016).

Bach Diep, born Nguyen Thanh Tam in 1929 in Hanoi, came from a family with a deep tradition in photography. At the age of 6, she was sent to study at the Saint Dominique convent school in Hai Phong. In 1959, she pursued a film direction course under the guidance of Soviet experts. She graduated in 1963 and later joined Vietnam's Feature Film Studio. Her debut film, 'Tran Quoc Toan Goes to War,' was adapted from a traditional Vietnamese opera and won the Silver Lotus Award at the second Vietnam Film Festival. Some of her subsequent films include 'The Return of the Rice Field' (1973), 'The Saint's Day' (1976), 'The Coconut Village Story' (1977), and 'The Mute' (1979). Her most notable films, 'The Saint's Day' (based on Chu Van’s novel 'Storm of the Sea') and 'The Legend of Mother,' both starring People's Artist Tra Giang, each won the Silver Lotus Award.

She retired in 1992 but continued to make television films for Vietnam Television, including programs like 'Cinema on Saturday Afternoon' and 'Sunday Arts.' In 1997, she was honored with the title of People's Artist. In 2007, she received the State Award for Literature and Arts for her works 'The Saint's Day' and 'The Legend of Mother.' Bach Diep is one of the Vietnamese artists listed in the Soviet Union's Film Encyclopedia. In 2008, she was one of the 11 contemporary artists recognized during the 55th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam's revolutionary film industry. She passed away on August 17, 2013, at the age of 84.

Viet Linh, born Nguyen Viet Linh in 1952, is a French-Vietnamese director. At the age of 16, she left the city to search for her father, who was involved in the resistance movement. By 17, she joined the revolutionary zone, where her passion for cinema began. Later, she was sent to study film directing and graduated with honors from the prestigious VGIK (All-Union State Institute of Cinematography) in the Soviet Union, receiving praise from her professor who noted, 'She has the capability to direct without needing to start as an assistant.'

Upon returning to Vietnam, she was tasked with directing 'The Peaceful Place Where Birds Sing,' the first film by a female director in Vietnam. Since 1971, she has worked in various cinematic roles, including editing, writing, and directing, contributing to many acclaimed films such as 'The Traveling Circus,' 'The Devil’s Mark,' 'Apartment,' and 'Me Thao – A Time of Glory.' Her films have garnered numerous awards at both national and international film festivals.

In 2014, Viet Linh returned to Vietnam and began directing 'Thien Thien,' a theatrical production she humorously described as suitable for an audience ranging from 15 to 90 years old. Aside from filmmaking, she is the author and editor of the 'Cinematography Library' and has written several notable works, including 'Wandering Through the Cinematic Garden,' 'Career Ideas,' and '20 Lessons in Cinema.'

In 2014, Viet Linh also published two books: 'Five Minutes with the Attic,' a collection of essays she wrote for a magazine, and 'There’s Sunshine Here,' a work she describes as a 'television drama on paper' reflecting her deep desire to 'make films through words.'

Victor Vu, born Vu Quoc Viet on November 25, 1975, is a Vietnamese-American film director, screenwriter, producer, and editor. Known for his versatile career, Victor has explored a wide range of genres, seamlessly transitioning between action, comedy, drama, and horror films. In 2012, he was awarded 'Best Director' at the Golden Kite Awards for his outstanding work in cinema.

In 2015, his adaptation of the novel 'I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass' by Nguyen Nhat Anh became a national sensation. Prior to that, his notable works included 'The Blood Letter' (2012), 'Red Carpet Scandal' (2012), and 'Heart of Blood' (2014), all of which were commercially successful films. It wasn’t until 'I See Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass' that his true artistic talent was recognized. Victor’s collaboration with Nguyen Nhat Anh continued with the film 'Blue Eyes,' where his distinctive style of crafting deep, emotional characters captivated audiences. His many successful films have made Victor Vu a trusted name in Vietnamese cinema, known for delivering box office hits.

Victor Vu's ultimate ambition is to elevate Vietnamese cinema to the global stage, with hopes that at prestigious events like the Oscars and Cannes, Vietnam will no longer be a bystander but a contender in the cinematic race.

Le Van Kiet is a Vietnamese filmmaker known for directing films such as 'Furie' and 'The Princess'. Born in 1978 in the outskirts of Bien Hoa, near Ho Chi Minh City, Kiet moved to the United States at the age of two. He pursued his passion for filmmaking at the age of 20, studying at the Film Academy and graduating from the School of Theatre and Film.

In 2012, Le Van Kiet introduced himself to Vietnamese audiences with his horror film 'The House in the Alley' during Valentine’s Day. Starting with the love story of a young couple, Thành (Trần Bảo Sơn) and Thảo (Ngô Thanh Vân), the film takes a dark turn as they experience the tragic loss of their child. Kiet brought a refreshing approach to horror, blending suspense with psychological drama in a way that hadn’t been seen in Vietnamese films before.

After a four-year break, Kiet returned with 'Furie', a film that garnered both critical acclaim and commercial success. This action-packed movie, which tells a heartfelt story about motherhood set against the backdrop of the Mekong Delta, was a major hit with audiences. With 'Furie', Kiet successfully redefined his style, proving his versatility across genres from horror to psychological thrillers to action films.

Looking at his impressive body of work, Kiet’s name is synonymous with impactful cinema. Beyond his popular success in Vietnam, he is poised to make a mark internationally with upcoming projects that are sure to capture global audiences.

Director Nhất Trung, born Đoàn Nhật Trung in 1981, initially rose to fame as a member of the AXN music group before transitioning into a successful career as a songwriter and talent manager. Despite only being active for two years, he achieved significant success with hit songs about love and friendship.

After moving into filmmaking, Director Nhất Trung made his mark with a series of box-office hits, including 'The Haunted Hospital', '49 Days', 'Sunshine', 'Wife Returns', 'Switching', and 'Assistant Breastfeeding', all of which were well-received by audiences.

His breakout success came with the film 'Wife Returns', which earned him the prestigious 'Best Screenwriter in Feature Film' award. In 2019, the film became a major box-office success, grossing a staggering 190 billion VND and featuring well-known actors such as MC Trấn Thành and Ninh Dương Lan Ngọc. Despite being his directorial debut, the film's impressive box office performance demonstrated the strong affection audiences had for both him and his work. Additionally, the film and its team received high praise from industry professionals within Vietnamese cinema.