‘Inside This Peace’ named Best Documentary at California film fest

Vietnamese filmmaker Linh Nga’s ‘Inside This Peace’ has won the prize for the Best Feature Documentary at the California Women’s Film Festival.

The documentary is about a forgotten victim of Agent Orange (AO) in Vietnam who is struggling to live in peace. Thoa, the film’s subject, has “scary skin with huge black patches, numerous lumps and hair all over her body”. The lumps are filled with fluid and cannot be drained. For decades, Thoa’s parents have been looking for the Government’s help.

"I hope the award will help Thoa and other AO victims in Vietnam have more opportunity to raise their voices," said filmmaker Nga. "I’m living and working in the US and it is not easy for me to make a film about AO victims in peace.

A scene from the film (Source: film crew)
A scene from the film (Source: film crew)

"Sending the documentary to film festivals and winning the award is not only a success for the filmmakers but also for AO victims,” Nga said. “I didn’t make Inside This Peace for awards but I sent the documentary to film festivals aiming to popularise it. The documentary is recognised officially by American and international professional filmmakers."

Nga met Thoa when she was 13 years old when they performed together in a charity show. While Thoa’s appearance scared other children, Nga felt Thoa’s suffering. Nga later learned Thoa did not go to school like other children because her mother was afraid that Thoa would be bullied by her classmates.

Thoa’s mother taught her to read and write at home. Thoa moved to Hoa Binh Village for AO child patients when she was eight.

'Inside This Peace' was screened on Vimeo On Demand across America for one week around Christmas. It was screened at the Lift Off Global Network Festival and placed second among 115 international films.

The California Women’s Film Festival operates as a biannual event for film projects that have a woman in at least one of the key production positions. It has a winter event in January and summer one in July.

‘Inside This Peace’ is Nga’s second film after What’s the Good of Being Good? – a short comedy featuring Vietnamese actor Duc Tien and vovinam martial artists.

Before studing filmmaking and sound design in the US, Nga was popular in Vietnamese television for such series as Khoang Cach (Distance); Dom Lua Bien Thuy (Border Flame) and Xuoi Nguoc Duong Tran (In The Shadow of Life).

Nga was the script writer, lead role and co-director for ‘In The Shadow of Life’, which earned her the TV Best Series award at the National Television Festival in 2003.

VNA

Other News

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Reasons why Phu Quoc shines even during rainy season

Recently named by Expedia among the "10 Best Islands to Visit in 2026" for offering premium holidays at reasonable prices, Phu Quoc is far from being just a dry season destination. Even during the rainy months, Pearl Island offers enough experiences to fill every hour of the day, with short tropical showers rarely disrupting the journey.

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

Van Phuc silk weaving village officially recognised as Hanoi tourist destination

With its millennia-old heritage and growing integration of preservation and innovation, Van Phuc silk weaving village is poised to become a distinctive cultural destination, helping promote Hanoi’s sustainable cultural tourism and bring the quintessence of Vietnamese silk weaving closer to domestic and international visitors.

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

Ho Chi Minh City: Free bus fares drive increase in bus, metro ridership

According to Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Public Transport Management Centre Le Hoan, the bus network operated nearly 478,000 trips in July, serving more than 8.48 million passengers. Weekly growth accelerated throughout the month, rising from 33% in the first week to 45% in the fourth week.

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

My Son inscriptions set sights on UNESCO documentary heritage status

Located in Thu Bon commune, Da Nang city, My Son is renowned for its architectural heritage, but it also preserves an exceptional archive engraved on stone. These inscriptions have enabled scholars to unravel the history of the sanctuary and trace the rise and development of the ancient Champa kingdom over many centuries.

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi brings new life to suburban tourism villages

Hanoi has long been known for the heritage cachet of a thousand-year-old capital. Hoan Kiem Lake, the Old Quarter, the Temple of Literature, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel and a network of craft villages have given the city a singular pull.

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

Resolution paves way for Vietnam to unleash soft power

The implementation of Resolution No. 06 alongside the cultural diplomacy strategy sends a clear message: by combining its rich cultural heritage with proactive diplomacy, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam would strengthen its competitiveness on the global stage.

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 wrapped up

Held from July 12 to 25 across eight cities and provinces, Vietnam Summer Camp 2026 offered a rich array of experiences. Participants explored historical landmarks, visited iconic cultural heritage sites such as the imperial city of Hue, Hoi An ancient town, and the My Son Sanctuary, and engaged in charitable activities valued at over 300 million VND (11,400 USD), including the installation of a "Youth Bookshelf."

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 kicks off

The Enjoy Danang Festival 2026 features a rural market-themed culinary space at East Sea Park showcasing Quang region cuisine, a beachfront art route, a light kite night featuring around 500 illuminated kites, and a seaside light party combining visual arts, music and local cuisine.

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains

One of the most notable successes is the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Flamboyant Flower) train operating between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Since entering service in May 2025, the train has completed nearly 3,000 trips and carried around 1.33 million passengers.

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

Da Nang proves Lonely Planet right as Asia's must visit summer destination

According to Lonely Planet, Da Nang stands out for its harmonious blend of beautiful beaches, an energetic yet relaxed lifestyle, a rich culinary scene and a diverse range of experiences spanning nature, culture, leisure and entertainment. The city is also praised as an ideal gateway to central Vietnam, offering convenient access to Hoi An, Hue and My Son Sanctuary.

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam invites travellers on multi-sensory journey

Vietnam's appeal lies not in a single attraction but in the seamless combination of authentic experiences rooted in local culture. From colourful highland markets and traditional festivals to centuries-old craft villages, all remain an integral part of everyday life.

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Promoting souvenir industry to spread national image

Experts said that with market-oriented development, improved functionality, stronger storytelling and greater involvement from designers, businesses and market-connecting organisations, souvenirs could become a bridge linking Vietnam with the world while contributing to the growth of cultural industries and the creative economy.

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

Interactive sound exhibition breathes new life into cultural heritage

One of the exhibition's highlights is the "Our Sound" installation, where visitors become part of the artwork itself. As multiple participants interact simultaneously, sound and light merge into a shared composition, conveying messages of connection, sharing and collective responsibility for building sustainable communities in harmony with nature.