Rima Thanh Vy stars in *The Ghost Bride* (directed by Lee Thongkham), a horror film co-produced by Vietnam and Thailand. The 30-year-old actress discusses her 15-year pursuit of acting.

How did you land the lead role in the new film?

After I starred in *Muoi: The Curse Returns* (2022), producer Hang Trinh likely saw my dedication and invited me to participate. However, I lacked confidence during auditions and wasn't fluent in Thai. The role required strong communication and accurate pronunciation, as the crew was primarily Thai. After three rounds of casting, I thought, "I've probably failed," when I received the call informing me I got the part.

I had worked in Thailand for six months during *Asian's Next Top Model* 2018, but returning felt new. I had to quickly relearn the language and understand the work environment. The workload was intense, with filming compressed into a month, often working late into the night and resuming early morning. Thanks to the support of the Thai cast and crew, I smoothly immersed myself in the role and completed the project.

Actress Rima Thanh Vy at the premiere of "The Ghost Bride" in Ho Chi Minh City in early September. Photo: Provided by the subject

How did you start your acting career?

I started at 15 as a model. After starring in a music video for singer Ly Hai, I was offered minor roles in films like *Scandal: The Secret of the Red Carpet*, *Lost in Paradise*, and *11 Hopes*. As a child, I did a lot of work: photoshoots for brands, music videos, magazine covers. I was busier then than now, each project earning tens of millions of dong, totaling hundreds of millions a month. In eighth grade, I modeled for an eco-friendly brand in Singapore, simply sitting in yoga poses, earning over 1,000 USD.

Making money easily made me complacent. I tried my hand at business for a more stable future, as my family's finances were modest. At 19, I invested over one billion dong with acquaintances in a Da Nang hotel. Despite market research, we failed, losing everything. It was a tough time, filled with regret over poor financial management. I kept thinking I should have saved instead of investing so early. However, it was a valuable lesson, teaching me the value of money.

What has been your most important career milestone?

After years away, I returned to cinema when director Ngo Thanh Van cast me in *Furies* (2022). I played Hong, a young woman who endures much pain and later joins a trio of female fighters.

Some actors become stars after one film, but I believe my journey requires more challenges. I don't want rapid fame, which can lead to complacency and hinder learning. I don't consider myself naturally talented at acting, so I need to work hard to cultivate emotions and gain experience. A slower pace may be better for me.

What is your relationship with director Ngo Thanh Van like now?

During filming, I felt Van's deep care for me and the cast. Once, I struggled with a scene, broke down crying, and she comforted me. She understood my personality: outwardly tearful but inwardly strong. After the film, we remained close, and she even took us out. Later, as she got married and focused on her family, we communicated less. I avoid bothering her with every project issue. I hope Van sees how the young girl she chose has matured, making strides in her career.

What are your hopes for your first lead role?

It's a chance to showcase more of my acting range. I've always wanted roles with psychological depth. I dislike one-dimensional characters, like the "damsel" or pure villain, fearing they become boring.

In 2024, playing Tam in *Cam*, director Tran Huu Tan's horror film, brought me some attention. However, I received negative feedback for Tam's nude scene in the palace. Some criticized my appearance, claiming the scene was gratuitous. That was never my intention, as I was taught "professional respect" from my first role. So, in this new film, I strive to be recognized for versatility or at least my effort and learning.

What do you say to criticisms of your acting being bland?

In *Cam*, some viewers found me less compelling than Lam Thanh My. That's partly true, as My's role as Cam, with a tragic backstory, had more makeup. I wasn't fully satisfied with my role due to the dialogue. Learning from that, I improved my voice for the role of Mien's sister in *Once Upon a Time in Love* (directed by Trinh Dinh Le Minh, 2024). I'm ambitious but self-critical, often thinking, "Why can't I even deliver a single line properly?" I regularly take acting and soft skills courses to prepare for challenging roles.

What other roles do you want to explore?

My last three films have been horror. It seems coincidental, as I didn't specifically choose them; I was invited. Perhaps I project a mysterious, ethereal aura suited to supernatural themes. However, I want to return to action, ready for physical challenges. I've only done it once, so I'm eager to showcase my training.

Mai Nhat