Returning from the US to attend the premiere in TP HCM on 7/9, actress Hong Dao stated that one of her criteria for selecting scripts is to portray characters she has never played before. In the new film, Hong Dao transforms into Ba Mui, a coffin shop owner. Following her husband's death, she becomes indifferent and solitary, developing a guarded demeanor towards others.

Hong Dao: "I'm happy to have a good script to act in." *Video: Mai Nhat*

Hong Dao described Ba Mui as one of the most complex characters she has ever tackled, featuring numerous psychologically intense scenes. At 64, she finds joy in her profession, viewing cinema as an exploration and eagerly seeking challenging roles. "If I'm fortunate enough to get a good script, I'm ready to seize it," she stated.

Before filming, Hong Dao spent several days meeting with funeral workers. She meticulously observed their work, conversations, and conduct, gathering insights to deeply understand her character's personality.

The film marks her third collaboration with Khuong Ngoc, following "Chi Dau" and "Cuc Vang Cua Ngoai". They often share similar professional views, rarely disagreeing on set.

Hong Dao behind the scenes of "Len Huong". *Video: Film crew provided*

The film, directed by Khuong Ngoc and Tan Hoang Thong, features a script that explores the lives of impoverished laborers. Amidst the daily struggle for survival, each character faces difficult choices and unexpected turns of fate. "At that moment, they realize the value of family bonds, especially a mother's unconditional love," Khuong Ngoc stated. Alongside Hong Dao, the film also stars artists Tuyet Thu, Hong Van, Huu Chau, Ha Anh, Vo Tan Phat, and Quoc Khanh, with a release anticipated in mid-September.

Actress Hong Dao and director Khuong Ngoc at the premiere of "Len Huong" in TP HCM. *Photo: Son Nguyen*

Hong Dao, full name Nguyen Dinh Hong Dao, is known as one of the "golden generation" theater artists of TP HCM in the 1990s, alongside Thanh Loc and Hong Van. In 1994, she moved to the US, settling in Northern California, where she performed on comedy stages. After her 2019 divorce, she manages her schedule, traveling between the US and Vietnam to care for her two children and parents, who reside in California.

In recent years, Hong Dao has participated in many popular film projects. In 2024, the actress took on a supporting role in "Mai", a work that earned 520 billion VND, becoming a record-breaking Vietnamese blockbuster at the time. In early 2025, she received the "Outstanding Supporting Actress in Film" award at the Green Star Awards in TP HCM.

Mai Nhat