At the film's premiere on the afternoon of 25/3 in TP HCM, the beauty queen shared that after the trailer was released, she read many negative comments about her looks. Some viewers remarked that her character was not as glamorous as in previous roles, exposing her facial imperfections. In the film, she plays Thien An, a young woman living in a church in central Vietnam in the 1990s. As per director Le Thien Vien's request, she wore no makeup, maintaining natural features in most scenes.

On one occasion, the director caught her drawing her eyebrows and made her remove it on set. He even instructed the makeup department to add more powder to make her lips appear paler, adhering to the character's aesthetic. After seeing the film on the big screen, she was satisfied that her efforts were well rewarded.

Doan Thien An discusses her immersion into the role in "Hen Em Ngay Nhat Thuc", afternoon of 25/3. Video: Mai Nhat

When the director sent her the script, she was moved by the story, which revolves around the love between a Catholic girl and a non-Catholic boy. The actress empathized with the protagonist's struggles because many generations in her family are also religious, and she had witnessed many relationships break due to religious differences.

To prepare for the role, she and the crew underwent a long pre-production process. She visited the Lang Song convent in Binh Dinh — the film's main setting — observing how the nuns conversed and lived their daily lives, praying, reading scriptures, and caring for young children with them. From this experience, the actress built a background for her character, drawing material for her portrayal.

Thien An and co-star Khuong Le (who previously appeared in "Gai Gia Lam Chieu", "Bau Vat Troi Cho"). Photo: Film crew provided

The film centers on Thien An (Doan Thien An), a girl who grew up in the rural village of Tra May in the late 1980s. She develops feelings for Thien, an electrician from another area, after a chance encounter. However, Mrs. Hoa, An's mother (artist Le Khanh), opposes the relationship because she has already chosen the perfect son-in-law: Dr. Hai (Thanh Son), a man with a stable career and close ties to the family. The conflict escalates when An finds herself in a love triangle, forced to choose between filial piety and personal happiness. The film also features actors Hua Vi Van, Huynh Phuong, and Nguyen Thao.

Trailer for "Hen Em Ngay Nhat Thuc" - rated 16+, in cinemas from 27/3. Video: Film crew provided

Doan Thien An, 26 years old, from Long An, stands 1,75 m tall and weighs 60 kg. She was formerly Miss Ao Dai Vietnamese Student before winning Miss Grand Vietnam in 10/2022. After her coronation, she competed in Miss Grand International in Indonesia, reaching the top 20. She has since participated in numerous community projects, fashion shows, and the reality television program Sao Nhap Ngu 2023. In late 2024, she made her film debut as Bay Loan, a 20th-century beauty in Cong Tu Bac Lieu (directed by Ly Minh Thang). During the Tet season of 2025, she starred in Nu Hon Bac Ty by director Thu Trang, a work that grossed over 200 ty dong.

Director Le Thien Vien, known for films such as Vu Quy Dai Nao and Em La Cua Em, nurtured this project for three years. It was inspired by the Catholic villages in his hometown in central Vietnam. Initially, the film was titled Tho Tinh Gui Ma So, but he later changed it to Hen Em Ngay Nhat Thuc, feeling the old title was not relatable to young audiences.

He stated that he did not create a religious film but merely used the setting to depict a microcosm of society. "There, people live sincerely even when facing challenges. It is a story of faith, love, and the struggles of youth," he said.

Mai Nhat