Finding Phong

2015, Lê Ánh Phong, Vietnam, Vietnamese,

Director: Tran Phuong Thao and Swann Dubus
Release Year: 2015

Synopsis:

"Finding Phong" (2015) is a powerful and intimate documentary that captures the emotional and physical transformation of Phong, a young Vietnamese individual born as a boy, but who has always identified as a girl. Directed by Tran Phuong Thao, an independent Vietnamese filmmaker, in collaboration with French cinematographer Swann Dubus, the film explores the complexities of gender identity, self-discovery, and the societal challenges faced by transgender individuals in Vietnam. 

 

Phong’s journey begins in Quang Ngai, a small town in central Vietnam, where he grew up as the youngest of six children. From an early age, Phong felt a profound disconnect between his gender identity and his biological sex, experiencing himself as a girl trapped in a boy’s body. This internal conflict persisted throughout his childhood, yet it was not until he moved to Hanoi at the age of 20 to attend university that he discovered he was not alone in his struggle. In the bustling capital, Phong met others who shared his feelings and understood his inner turmoil, a realization that marked the beginning of his journey toward physical transformation. In his pursuit of self-actualization, Phong's dream to transition from male to female eventually becomes a reality. Over the next few years, he grapples with his identity, facing not only the challenge of navigating his own desires but also contending with the societal and familial pressures that come with his decision.

 

The film captures his personal struggles through a combination of intimate video diary entries, where Phong documents his thoughts and feelings, and scenes showing his interactions with friends, family, and medical professionals, all of whom must come to terms with his determination to transform into the woman he has always known himself to be. "Finding Phong" explores Phong’s inner conflict as he moves closer to his goal of gender reassignment. His story is framed by poignant moments, such as his decision to travel to Thailand for sex reassignment surgery, a choice suggested by a friend from the United States, Gerry. In Thailand, Phong encounters a different world: he is exposed to a thriving transgender community where individuals are not only accepting of their gender identities but also integrated into society in a way that is more open and accepting than in Vietnam. However, despite the apparent harmony, Phong is also exposed to the hidden challenges that many transgender people face in their private lives, illustrating the complexity of their journeys. Upon returning to Vietnam after his surgery, Phong continues to navigate a challenging reality. He faces not only physical changes but also a wave of societal rejection and familial disapproval, as he struggles to reconcile his new identity with the expectations of those around him.

 

The film does not shy away from showing the harsh realities of living as a transgender person in Vietnam, where social discrimination and prejudice remain pervasive. Phong's transformation is not just a physical one but a deeply emotional journey, as he confronts the prejudice and misunderstandings that accompany his decision to live authentically. One of the most distinctive aspects of "Finding Phong" is the combination of on-the-ground filming by the directors and the personal footage that Phong himself captures. These video diary segments offer an unfiltered glimpse into his private world, showcasing his monologues, daily life, and interactions with those around him, providing a rare and intimate look at the emotional toll of living as a transgender person in a conservative society. By incorporating Phong’s own perspective, the filmmakers aim to convey a sense of personal truth and vulnerability that traditional cinematic techniques could not capture.

 

In interviews, Tran Phuong Thao and Swann Dubus have explained that their intention with the documentary was to shed light on the social marginalization of transgender individuals in Vietnam. Transgender people in the country often face extreme prejudice, resulting in their exclusion from many areas of society. Some manage to find success in entertainment or as models, but for many others, the only work available is in low-paying, stigmatized professions. As the directors highlight, society often imposes its own perception of what a transgender person should be, but the true struggle lies in reconciling one’s own sense of identity with the expectations of family and society. The filmmakers hope that by portraying the psychological and emotional challenges faced by transgender individuals throughout their self-discovery and transformation, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved. Rather than viewing transgender people as outsiders or deviants, the documentary encourages viewers to see them as full, valid members of society, deserving of empathy and respect.

 

"Finding Phong" has received numerous accolades, including the 2015 Grand Prix at the Jean Rouch International Film Festival in Paris, the 2016 Best Picture Award at the LGBT International Film Festival in Greece, and the 2016 Best Documentary Award at the Viet Film Fest in Los Angeles. The 92-minute film has been praised for its honesty, sensitivity, and the courage of its subject. Phong's story is not just about gender transition but about the universal human quest for self-acceptance, making "Finding Phong" a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of identity, resilience, and the pursuit of happiness in the face of adversity.

 

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Image credits: YouTube