The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, we’re joined by Đoan Hoàng Curtis, a director and producer, to discuss her journey in the world of documentary filmmaking. Doan shares her behind-the-scenes experience working on the new Netflix series Turning Point: The Vietnam War, where she played a pivotal role in shedding light on the complexities of the Vietnam War.Doan also talks about her own documentary Oh Saigon, a deeply personal exploration, capturing the resilience and transformation of her family in the aftermath of war. Doan reflects on the significance of April 30th, 1975, this historic milestone and how it has influenced her work and perspective as a filmmaker.Join us for a conversation with Đoan Hoàng Curtis as we explore her artistic vision and the power of storytelling from a Vietnamese American perspective.Turning Point: The Vietnam War releases on Netflix on April 30, 2025To learn more about the upcoming May 3rd event, please go to:ohsaigon.comLink to the Netflix series Turning Point: The Vietnam Warhttps://youtu.be/G7LounlxPdASupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Join host Kenneth Nguyen and series co-host Kevin Pham, author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024), in this sub-series of the podcast, where they explore the key figures and pivotal moments in Vietnamese history.In this episode of Viet History Makers, Kenneth and Kevin dive into one of the most somber chapters of the Vietnam War: the final days of the conflict, marked by the suicides of five high-ranking South Vietnamese generals on April 30, 1975, as Saigon fell to the North. These men, once at the helm of the South Vietnamese military, faced the collapse of their government and the impending victory of the communist North. Their tragic decisions reflect the profound psychological and political toll the war exacted on those in power, and their deaths serve as a chilling reminder of the personal cost of conflict.But the conversation doesn't stop there. Kenneth and Kevin also take a step back to explore the broader ideological landscape of the time, discussing the different types of communism throughout history. From Marxist-Leninism to the unique interpretations shaped by Vietnamese revolutionary leaders, they trace how communist ideology evolved, influenced the course of the Vietnam War, and shaped the future of the nation.Join us as we unravel the complex history of these five generals and their tragic end, while also exploring the broader context of communism and its impact on Vietnam's journey. This episode offers a thought-provoking look at the intersections of personal fate, political ideology, and national history at a moment of profound transition.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kevin D. Pham is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at the University of Amsterdam. His research introduces Vietnamese political thought to the academic field of political theory, showing how Vietnamese thinkers challenge and enhance conventional Western understandings of important political concepts.He co-hosts Nam Phong Dialogues, a podcast in which he and Yen Vu have casual chats about Vietnamese history and being Vietnamese American. He is the author of The Architects of Dignity: Vietnamese Visions of Decolonization (Oxford University Press, 2024).Kevindoanpham.com--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth NguyenVisit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Vietnamese podcast, host Anderson Le sits down with Duong Dieu Linh, a distinctive voice in Vietnam’s new wave of independent cinema. Known for her quirky, layered storytelling and bold visual style, Duong shares her perspective on filmmaking in Vietnam and the unique path she’s carved out as a director.The conversation opens with Linh’s artistic beginnings, tracing how her studies abroad and early creative experiments led her to pursue storytelling through film. She discusses the personal and cultural themes that often appear in her work—exploring identity, gender, and the everyday absurdities of life in Vietnam.Together, Anderson and Linh discuss the challenges of navigating the Vietnamese film industry as an independent filmmaker, and what it means to create bold, personal cinema in a space that often favors commercial formulas. They also discuss the importance of short films in her career and how the festival circuit, including Cannes and Berlinale, helped bring her voice to an international audience.Her first narrative feature, DON'T CRY BUTTERFLY, world premiered at the Venice Film Festival in 2024, bringing a refreshingly unconventional perspective to contemporary Vietnamese cinema. Her work is celebrated for its dark humor, emotional depth, and striking visual compositions.—————————————————————-Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovieSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Alex-Thai Dinh Vo is Research Assistant Professor at the Vietnam Center & Archive (VNCA), Texas Tech University. He is a historian of modern Vietnam and East and Southeast Asia, specializing in Cold War politics and the Vietnam Wars. He oversees the VNCA Vietnam War MIAs and Legacies Research Project and the VNCA Vietnamese Oral History Project.He formerly served as a historian with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Agency and a research scholar with the U.S.-Vietnam Center at the University of Oregon. He is the co-editor of Toward a Framework for Vietnamese American Studies: History, Community, and Memory (Temple University Press, 2023).He is published and interviewed on Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, and the BBC. He holds a Ph.D. and two MAs in history from Cornell University and a B.A. in political science from UC Berkeley.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth NguyenVisit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We sit in conversation with historian Dr. Jay Veith to uncover the forgotten and often overlooked story of how the United States worked to recover POWs and MIAs from Vietnam—efforts that began long before the lifting of the U.S. embargo. Dr. Veith shares powerful insights into the challenges, politics, and perseverance behind these missions.We then turn to a discussion about President Nguyễn Văn Thiệu—his leadership, legacy, and role in shaping the fate of South Vietnam.Finally, we reflect on the critical importance of preserving South Vietnamese military history. As time passes and veterans age, recording their memories through memoirs has never been more urgent. Dr. Veith discusses why these personal accounts matter—not only for history’s sake but for truth, legacy, and future generations.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth NguyenVisit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode, Kenneth sits down with Chris Tran from Chris Tran Travels to explore the complexities of identity and culture as third-culture kids. We both share the challenges of spreading Vietnamese culture, despite our deep love for our work and mission. We dive into the work he’s doing by teaching the Vietnamese language to overseas Vietnamese American and other students, and the importance of cultural preservation in today’s world. Additionally, Chris shares exciting details about his new venture, the Heritage Tour, where he takes people on immersive journeys to explore Vietnam’s rich history and heritage. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on identity, culture, and the power of teaching the next generation. To learn more about Chris Tran's Vietnamese language courses, please check out the links below:Survival Vietnamese is a practical, fun, and culturally grounded language brand that helps you speak real Vietnamese with confidence.Learn real Vietnamese at your own pace with the full Survival Vietnamese course—packed with essential grammar, vocabulary, and real-life conversations in both Northern and Southern dialects.👉 Start your journey here: https://chris-site-f403.thinkific.com/courses/survival-vietnamese?ref=a87b69Master the Southern Vietnamese dialect with the self-paced Pronunciation Course—50+ snappy, practical lessons packed with drills to help you sound natural and be understood.👉 Get started here: https://chris-site-f403.thinkific.com/courses/SouthernVietnamesePronunciation?ref=a87b69Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this episode of The Vietnamese Podcast, host Anderson Le is joined by acclaimed film director Ham Tran. Together, they discuss the current state of the film industry in Vietnam, reflecting on its evolution and the growing opportunities for filmmakers in the region. Ham shares insights into his own journey, from his early start in filmmaking to the directors and inspirations that helped shape his unique cinematic voice.The conversation begins with Ham Tran’s early days, with the director recalling his influences and pivotal moments that sparked his passion for film. From the formative years of his career to his breakthrough successes, Ham discusses the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.Throughout the discussion, Anderson and Ham also examine the broader landscape of Vietnamese cinema, touching on how the industry has changed and where it is heading. They explore the role of Vietnamese filmmakers in reshaping global narratives and creating more authentic representations of their culture, both within Vietnam and abroad.Ham Tran, known for his visionary direction in films and shows like Maika, Journey from the Fall and Devil's Diner, has made a significant impact on the Vietnamese entertainment industry.His work highlights personal and familial struggles, weaving rich emotional stories that resonate with audiences worldwide. In this episode, Ham reflects on how his upbringing and experiences in both Vietnam and abroad have shaped his approach to storytelling, and how he continues to push the boundaries of Vietnamese cinema.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovieSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We sit down with Pulitzer Prize-winning author Viet Thanh Nguyen for a raw conversation that bridges literature, politics, and global affairs. Viet brings clarity and depth to some of the most urgent issues facing the world today such as his searing critiques of war, displacement, and identity.We begin by discussing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza — a conflict that continues to raise difficult questions about power, accountability, and the role of the United States in international spaces. Viet offers his perspective not only as a writer and academic, but as someone who has consistently used his platform to speak out against injustice and advocate for human rights.The conversation also turns to the lasting influence of President Trump on both American society and global politics. We explore how he continues to shape narratives around nationalism, truth, and democracy — and what that means for the future of political discourse both in the U.S. and abroad.This is not just a conversation about geopolitics — it’s about how writers, thinkers, and artists engage with the world. Whether you’re here for the politics, the literature, or the intersection of both, this episode offers plenty to reflect on.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth NguyenVisit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Hung La is a Vietnamese-American fashion designer based in London, known for his innovative menswear and exploration of Asian identity in fashion. Growing up in a Vietnamese community outside Washington, D.C., he was influenced by both American pop culture and traditional Vietnamese values, which shaped his design ethos.After studying at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp, Hung worked at fashion houses like Balenciaga and Céline, gaining invaluable experience. In 2017, alongside his partner Léa Dickely, he co-founded the luxury womenswear label Kwaidan Editions, known for blending diverse cultural references.In 2021, Hung launched Lựu Đạn, a menswear brand rooted in Asian identity. The name, loosely meaning "dangerous man" or "grenade" in Vietnamese, reflects his desire to challenge stereotypes and present a more nuanced narrative of Asian masculinity. Lựu Đạn's collections blend oversized silhouettes, bold prints, and luxurious fabrics, drawing inspiration from Asian subcultures.Hung is also an advocate for greater representation and diversity in fashion, pushing for authentic storytelling and the inclusion of Asian creatives. Through Lựu Đạn, he continues to redefine masculinity and identity in modern fashion.--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth NguyenVisit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In this first episode of The Viet Cinema Canon, host Anderson Le is joined by Vietnamese director Nguyen Vo Nghiem Minh. Together, they discuss Minh’s journey into film directing, touching on his early influences and his critically acclaimed works. They also explore his latest production, Picturehouse, a take on Vietnamese storytelling in the cinematic world.Throughout their conversation, Anderson and Minh explore the evolution of Vietnamese cinema, specifically how to challenge and reframe traditional narratives, especially when it comes to Vietnamese war films. They discuss the importance of moving beyond the typical tropes seen in American war movies, often told through the lens of older, white male directors, and how Vietnamese filmmakers can reshape these stories with a more authentic and diverse perspective.Nguyễn Võ Nghiêm Minh is a Vietnamese filmmaker known for his visually striking and deeply personal storytelling. Growing up during the Vietnam War, he witnessed firsthand the complexities and human toll of the conflict—experiences that would later shape his work. As a director, Minh seeks to “reclaim” the narrative of the war from the dominant white, American perspective often seen in Hollywood films. Instead of focusing on the war through the lens of American soldiers, his work prioritizes Vietnamese voices, memories, and emotions, offering a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of his homeland’s history. Through films like Mùa Len Trâu (BUFFALO BOY) and Nước 2030, he explores themes of identity, resilience, and the lived experiences of ordinary Vietnamese people, through a prism of different genres. His latest project, PICTUREHOUSE (currently in pre-production) is based on his family’s movie theater that they managed in Vung Tau during the Vietnam War. Please Support PICTUREHOUSE today by clicking on the Links to the campaign shared in the description. Every donation brings Director Minh, and his cast and crew closer to sharing this special film with the world.Indiegogo: https://igg.me/at/picturehousemovieSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-vietnamese-with-kenneth-nguyen/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy