In Saigon, family culture carries on as it has for centuries, even when blood ties are broken. Through a mosaic of intimate portraits, Mother Saigon explores humanity’s universal desire for love, acceptance, connection and belonging through an LGBTQ+ lens. The film is a love letter – a bittersweet ode to a comforting yet disturbing mother, to a city that is as liberating as it is oppressive.

Discussion after the film

Queer people in Vietnam, much like those in our country, face societal conservatism as well as growing efforts for their acceptance. Traditional values, family expectations, and social stigma often put queer people in difficult positions, forcing many to come to terms with their identities in private or within close-knit communities. Despite these difficulties, queer voices are emerging in Vietnam, as captured in the film Mother Saigon, which also highlights their resilience and strength.

Explore the themes depicted in the film Mother Saigon (2023) and join us as we expand on them from the perspective of two individuals from the Vietnamese diaspora in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Their stories reflect the complexity of navigating cultural heritage, queer identity, alliances, and belonging in Central Europe. With traditions and traumas passed down from their family backgrounds and the realities of growing up in Europe, we will touch upon the tension between the desire to honor their Vietnamese roots and the need to live authentically within chosen communities. Join us in a discussion that will, among other topics, address cultural authenticity, migration, and queer resilience that transcends borders.

Guests:

Nancy Nguyenová,

Quang Luong.

Hosted by Julián Vrábel (Džuso), member of the queer student association LIGHT* at the Faculty of Arts of Comenius University.