At the film premiere for the Phao Hoa class held at DCine Ben Thanh cinema complex on 22/1 in TP HCM, organizers announced that the course extends beyond skill training, aiming to shift filmmakers' perceptions regarding collaboration with deaf and hard-of-hearing actors.

Guests at the film premiere for the Phao Hoa class.

The Phao Hoa acting class, initiated in 2023 and returning in 2025, is organized by Au Co Film. Each session concludes with a 45-minute interaction where members engage with directors, screenwriters, actors, and producers to gain insight into the profession. The project aims to provide deaf individuals with structured access to the arts, fostering a creative environment where they can tell their stories through cinema.

Instructor Que Thanh believes that deaf individuals process and conceptualize art similarly to hearing people, despite the absence of sound. "They possess keen observational skills and effectively use body language to convey complex inner emotions. This is a quality that even many hearing actors may not fully achieve," she stated.

Director Dam Quang Trung, who has supported the course since 2023, believes that deaf individuals are fully capable of acting in films. "I observed that students interact with the camera in diverse ways, through their gaze and subtle facial gestures. The program has taught me how to work with them in an environment where spoken language is not the primary means of communication," the director explained.

As a liaison between instructors and students, interpreter Nguyen Hanh noted that the communication process presented challenges, primarily because sign language has limitations in expressing certain adjectives. She clarified vocabulary using specific comparative images to help students visualize concepts. This method enabled quick comprehension, allowing students to produce suitable expressions and body language.

Actor Que Thanh (left) and Kieu Minh Tuan.

The premiere showcased five short films: Rung, Nougat, Tieng Thet, Go Cong Doi Bong Con Khong, and Chi, Em va Dien Thoai Xuan Binh Ngo. These films are the culmination of efforts by eight students: Thach Trung Ngoc, Vo Nguyen Bao Duy, Nguyen Thi Tham, Pham Tien Hung, Bui Thi Thanh Huong, Tran Thi Phuong Trang, Huynh Thanh Nhi, and Bui Thi Nhu Nguyet. The project was realized with the support of young directors, and many students were moved seeing themselves on screen for the first time.

Student Thanh Nhi, who had previously felt disconnected from herself and the world, gradually opened up and learned to convey emotions through each class. Phuong Trang described the acting sessions as a journey of self-discovery. Guided by Ms. Thanh, Trang became more confident and developed a more positive outlook. She hopes for future opportunities for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community to pursue professional acting careers.

Attending the program, actor Kieu Minh Tuan expressed his surprise at the students' abilities. "I understand that filmmaking is quite challenging when one can only perceive through images and light. However, these students delivered authentic emotions, even surpassing many hearing actors. I hope everyone remains confident, as this very difference can create valuable works of art in the future," the actor commented.

Producer Trinh Hoan also praised the young talents. "I was impressed with Thanh Nhi's performance in the film Tieng Thet; her facial expressions effectively portrayed the character's psychology, creating clear emotional development. To me, the program has had a promising start and has potential for further growth," the producer said.

Vi Doan

Photos: Organizers provided