Daily Inspiration: Meet Oanh-Nhi Nguyen

Today we’d like to introduce you to Oanh-Nhi Nguyen.

Hi Oanh-Nhi, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I was making documentary films when I was a teenager and in college. After college, I worked in nonprofit, social justice and philanthropy for ten years while screenwriting and dreaming of filmmaking. When I turned 30, I decided to open my consulting business so I had the spaciousness and time to pursue filmmaking.

Fast forward two years later, I moved to LA to realize my dreams of becoming a film director where I’m currently a Directing Fellow at the American Film Institute (LA). And the first thing I ever directed when I decided to take the leap was a docu-series called TAKING ROOT. The series amplifies the stories of Southeast Asians who resettled in Philadelphia after the Wars in Southeast Asia. It highlights the intergenerational impact of structural violence and demonstrates the power of Southeast Asians in resisting and rebuilding in America. It was just selected as an official selection for the Tribeca Festival in 2023!

I’m excited to keep writing and directing films that center Asian American girls’ and women’s power and dreams.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My trajectory to film was pretty unconventional, there were struggles when I didn’t feel aligned to what I was working on throughout my career or when I experienced a lot of rejection for jobs, but I took it as signs that I should be doing something else. I see rejections as a sign to go a different route and I try to listen to that more now.

When I got really honest with myself and realized I wanted to go back into film, it was scary since I was 30 and completely changing careers and had never seen anyone direct before but I subconsciously knew it was what I really wanted to do, so I decided to trust that voice that kept nagging me!

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m super proud of the docu-series I directed and produced called TAKING ROOT and it was affirming to be selected as part of the Tribeca Festival. https://tribecafilm.com/films/taking-root-southeast-asian-stories-of-resettlement-in-philadelphia-2023

As a first-time director and producer, I really figured a lot from scratch such as figuring out how much I needed to fundraise, asking people veryyy basic questions (like who do I hire other than my director of photography!). I was committed to hiring a primarily POC crew and really proud that it was the first time on set for some; some crew members were trying out new roles too and are now working in that role more full-time. I’m super grateful for everyone who was a part of the project!

Contact Info:

• Website: www.oanhnhinguyen.com
• Instagram: oanhnhi.nguyen

Image Credits
Jin Lee