The film-maker said that she had a special bond with the “ao dai” when she lived in Vietnam. That is the reason why she wants to share the story about “ao dai” with the world. According to her, the film not only tells about the beautiful and elegant features of the “ao dai,” but also reflects the resilience and transformation of Vietnamese women in different periods of history.
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Behind the screens of “The Long Dress” documentary |
Filmed since last July, the documentary gathers a crew of both Vietnamese and international film-makers. It features three main characters from the U.S, the U.K, and Vietnam who share the love for the “ao dai” of Vietnam.
The project is a journey to explore the “ao dai” as a symbol of the interaction between the past and the present and reflects Han Le's own journey in preserving Vietnamese culture. She shared that “cultural expression is not only a way for individuals to discover themselves but also a link to connect communities and generations.”
Alongside honoring the traditional beauty of the “ao dai,” the film takes viewers to various cities and continents, from Vietnam to the U.K., and the U.S., to meet with those of Vietnamese origin who are discovering the cultural identity of Vietnam through “ao dai” again. They are Thai Nguyen, an international designer treasuring the cultural heritage of Vietnam and Anna Hoang, a young girl who has been creating unique “ao dai” since she was 10.
One of the great sources of inspiration for the documentary comes from the image of Queen Nam Phuong in “ao dai” when visiting Vatican in 1939, a symbol of identity and cultural integration. The film also features the transformation of the “ao dai” when it appeared at international fashion events or on the red carpet as being worn by artists of Vietnamese origin such as Ali Wong.
Han Le said that the message that the documentary gives is that although time flies, the “ao dai” remains a lively symbol of Vietnamese identity, connecting the past and the future and helping people confidently express themselves.
The film is expected to be completed in July this year and will be screened in Vietnam and other countries around the world.
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Han Le and Vietnamese Ambassador to the U.K. Do Minh Hung |
Born and raised in Hanoi, Han Le is now living and working in London, England. She holds the degree of Master of Arts in Film Making at Goldsmiths, University of London (the U.K.).
She has engaged in many prestigious documentary projects around the world. Notably, she has directly worked with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair at the Future of Britain Conference 2022, former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and leaders from major corporations such as Tiktok, Planet, Khosla Ventures and Zero Avia. She has also made 15 interactive films for the British Science Museum.
For Han Le, filmmaking is not only an artistic creation but also a powerful way to promote understanding, connect cultures and empower communities. With this first documentary film “The Long Dress,” she said she hopes to honor the Vietnamese “ao dai” and confirm the importance of preserving cultural identity in the context of globalization.
Translated by Mai Huong