From a journalism student who loved filmmaking, Ha Thai (real name Bui Thi Ha, former student of K53, Faculty of Journalism and Communication – University of Social Sciences and Humanities) has now won two awards at the Golden Lotus Film Festival 2011 and the Silver Kite Award in the short film category 2012.
“Debt” – a film that realistically reflects the everyday life and the anxieties and dilemmas of Meritorious Artist and singer Bach Van regarding the preservation and development of the art form of Ca Tru – received the Silver Kite Award for Best Short Film at the 2012 Golden Kite Awards. This award came as a surprise to the author herself, as few knew that this was only the second film Ha Thai had officially made, and also her graduation film from her 2012 university program in Journalism and Communication.
From a young age, despite her small and gentle appearance, Ha Thai loved journalism, an attractive yet challenging profession. She dreamed of becoming a female reporter, traveling far and wide to capture the most beautiful and vibrant images of the people and landscapes of her homeland. As she grew older, Ha Thai wanted journalism to help her highlight good people and good deeds, and condemn negative phenomena in society. Ha Thai entered university with these noble plans and aspirations.
Ha Thai
Journalism is indeed a vast field that allows this curious and adventurous young woman to freely explore. She is particularly drawn to television and film, deeply appreciating the value of visuals in telling a story that resonates with viewers. In her third year of university, Ha Thai successfully applied to and was accepted into the "We Make Films" project of the Center for Supporting Film Talent Development (TPD), and also became a collaborator with the Center for Journalism and Communication (CMP) at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities.
Combining practical experience at both TPD and CMP has given Ha Thai confidence and further solidified her passion for filmmaking. “Everyday images, when projected onto the screen, always possess an indescribable beauty. When combined with music and pieced together through staging, these initially ordinary images become meaningful,” Ha Thai shared. Each film is a slice of life reflected through the lens of the filmmaker's understanding, emotions, and soul. Creativity and a strong personal touch are clearly evident throughout the entire process. This is the most appealing aspect for this dynamic and individualistic journalism student. Ha Thai has learned how to combine the topicality and issues of journalism with the artistic beauty in each work. But she also recognizes the harshness and difficulties of filmmaking. Nevertheless, Ha Thai remains determined in her choice: "Making a film or television project, however small, requires a lot of effort and dedication. But it's a job I never get tired of. Being able to make good, meaningful films about topics I'm passionate about, no matter how difficult it is, I'm ready to do it."
Ha Thai graduated from the "We Make Films" project with her debut film, "The Children." The film offers a pure, innocent, and affectionate perspective on the kind and simple people of Nga Son (Thanh Hoa province). Ha Thai stumbled upon this theme while wandering around her hometown with her camera, searching for inspiration for her graduation film.
Filming lasted over a day, then he rushed back to TPD to discuss ideas with his lecturers. Once the topic was approved, he immediately took a bus back to his hometown to continue filming. There were days when his mother woke him up early, he put on his raincoat, and drove to the subject's house, waiting outside just to film the scene where the subject opens the door as naturally as possible. It was a thrilling yet incredibly exciting experience. Seeing Ha Thai's dedication and effort to his first film, his friends even joked, "Filming like this, you'll surely win a Golden Kite Award!"
Outperforming nearly 50 other short documentaries, "The Children" won two Golden Lotus Awards at the 2011 Golden Lotus Film Festival for young filmmakers: Best Documentary (jury award) and Best Documentary (audience award). The film was selected to be screened (along with five other short documentaries) at the awards ceremony held at the French Cultural Center in Hanoi (L'Espace). To this day, Ha Thai still remembers the exhilarating feeling of having his film screened for the first time in front of hundreds of people, receiving their applause and empathy.
Poster for the documentary film Debt
The film "Debt" was another deeply moving experience for Ha Thai. After coincidentally meeting the traditional Vietnamese singer Bach Van and being moved by her dedication to the art of ca trù (traditional Vietnamese singing), Ha Thai wanted to make a documentary about her everyday life. This would serve as both her graduation thesis in Journalism and a submission for the Golden Lotus Award in 2012. It was a very difficult decision at the time, as there was only one month left to complete the film. The subject was of immense importance; if the film wasn't done properly, Ha Thai would feel guilty towards Bach Van herself. "The film evoked so many emotions in me; even now, when I think back, I'm still afraid of my own determination," the author recounts.
For almost a month afterward, Ha Thai followed Bach Van around almost every day for filming. Some days she ate and slept at Bach Van's house, and even followed her activities as far away as Hai Phong and Nghe An… Bach Van is a traditional Vietnamese singer; on stage, she appears relaxed and graceful with each song, but in real life, her packed schedule truly impressed a young person like Ha Thai. The filming took place during the hot summer. There were days when Ha Thai drove to Bach Van's house at midday when the weather was 39-40 degrees Celsius, only to collapse upon arrival from sunstroke. Many days, even when tired, she didn't dare rest for fear of missing the most precious moments of Bach Van's everyday life. These hardships, combined with the stress of intense concentration, caused her weight to drop to only 39 kg. Her friends were amazed by her unwavering perseverance!
During post-production, the conflict between her practical abilities and her perfectionist nature sometimes made Ha Thai sad and disappointed to the point of tears. But she still persevered, working to complete the film on time. The fifteen-minute screening of the film at her graduation defense was a time Ha Thai waited anxiously for. Then, applause erupted. Her teachers praised her professional attitude and exceptional efforts. Ms. Bach Van was also present at the defense and shared memories of their time working together. Overwhelmed with emotion, Ha Thai burst into tears. The feeling of receiving well-deserved rewards after days of hard work was truly wonderful!
Ha Thai and Meritorious Artist Bach Van at the 2012 graduation thesis defense ceremony.
Now, Ha Thai officially works at the Youth Department of VTV6, Vietnam Television. Looking back at the films she has made and her journey through life and career, Ha Thai feels she has had a memorable time. Because she has found her life's passion and learned how to pursue it to the end.
Sharing further, the young female reporter said that working on the programs "Born from the Village" and "Dream Star" on VTV6 gave her the opportunity to collaborate with very interesting young people, cheerful, qualified, and enthusiastic colleagues. They don't live too dependent on money, know how to choose their own way of life – individual and strong-willed – but also have a compassionate view of life. That's a beautiful way of life that Ha Thai wants to strive for. Of course, along her journey, there will still be films: "If I come across another good story in everyday life someday, I will continue to tell it to everyone. Filmmaking is a way for me to learn more from the life around me to improve myself, and it's also a way to nurture my emotions and love for life."