Vietnamese actress and producer Kaity Nguyen, 27, is serving as the youngest-ever jury member at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF). Recognized for her roles in major domestic hits including Blood Moon Party and The Last Wife, Nguyen is now leveraging her industry experience to advocate for the cultural diversity and global potential of Vietnamese cinema.
Kaity Nguyen’s Role at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival
Kaity Nguyen holds the distinction of being the youngest juror in the history of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival. Her appointment reflects her established status in the Vietnamese film industry, where she has balanced commercial success with critical acclaim since her 2017 debut in Em chưa 18 (Jailbait).
According to her statements during the festival, Nguyen views her role as an opportunity to highlight the unique narratives emerging from Vietnam. She emphasizes that the country’s film industry is currently in a phase of discovery, focusing on stories that reflect both the historical depth and the modern, everyday lives of its people.
The Growth of the Vietnamese Film Market
The Vietnamese box office has seen significant expansion, reflecting a broader trend of industrial growth. Official reports indicate that the total box office revenue in Vietnam reached approximately 5.593 trillion VND (roughly 310 billion KRW) in 2023, representing a 24% increase compared to the previous year.
Nguyen attributes this momentum to a new generation of directors, writers, and producers who are increasingly confident in showcasing Vietnam’s distinct cultural identity. She points to the success of local adaptations—such as Blood Moon Party, a remake of the South Korean film Intimate Strangers—as evidence that local audiences are eager for high-quality, character-driven storytelling.
Artistic Philosophy and Career Approach
Despite her rapid rise to stardom, Nguyen maintains a selective approach to her professional career. She typically limits herself to one project per year, a strategy she says is necessary to maintain the "life experience" required to deliver authentic performances.
"To be a better actor, life experience is more important than the works themselves," Nguyen stated during her festival interview. This philosophy extends to her work as a producer. She is currently focused on developing projects that possess a unique "color"—a term she uses to describe the creative individuality she believes is essential for Vietnamese cinema to compete on international stages like Cannes or the Busan International Film Festival.
Looking Toward Global Markets
Nguyen cites the global success of South Korean cinema as a model for how cultural specificity can translate into international appeal. She specifically noted the work of actor Song Hye-kyo, highlighting her transition from lighthearted roles to the complex, emotionally taxing performances seen in The Glory.
For her own future projects, Nguyen remains committed to stories with deep personal or national resonance. She highlighted her work on the 2025 film Hijacking, which is based on a real-life 1978 airplane hijacking in Vietnam. Because her mother served as a flight attendant, the project carries significant personal weight for the actress, serving as an example of the types of culturally grounded narratives she hopes to introduce to a wider global audience in the coming years.
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