Ashley Duong adapts father Anh Duong memoir into film for Vancouver Film Festival
Documentary maker Ashley Duong screens her new film Ba's Book at the Vancouver Film Festival on Sunday night.
Father breaks silence with memoir
Ashley Duong adapted a book written by her father, Anh Duong, into a hybrid documentary and drama. The memoir was published in 2024 under the title Dear Da-Le. It details his traumatic upbringing during the Vietnam War and his time as a refugee in revolutionary Iran.
Film explores hidden family history
The movie reveals painful memories Anh Duong kept secret from his daughter for most of his life. Ashley Duong focuses on the torment of leaving his mother and relatives behind in their ancestral village. The film also shows how he reunited with siblings who shared untold family secrets.
Director navigates political landmines
Ashley Duong explains that her father learned to hide emotions while witnessing wartime brutality. He faced the need to navigate dangerous political situations as a witness to violence in Vietnam and Iran. The project combines elements of documentary filmmaking with dramatic storytelling techniques.
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