LOVE MAN LOVE WOMAN
2008 Directed by Nguyen Trinh Thi 60 minutes
Vietnamese with English subtitles
San Francisco International LGBT Film Festival
Los Angeles OutFest
Jean Rouch International Film Festival Paris
Yunnan Multi Culture Visual Festival
For centuries, Vietnam's Dao Mau (Mother Goddess Religion) temples have been the one place where homosexuals are able to flourish in the predominantly homophobic country. In these traditional temples, where attendance is surprisingly mixed, they're able to express their sexuality and femininity, blurring the distinctions between genders.
This documentary takes a heartening look at this group of 'dong co' - meaning 'princess spirit's mediums', a term originated from the indigenous religion that has come to be used generally in Vietnam to refer to effeminate and gay men - forging their own community, culture and rituals together.
The filmmaker follows Master Luu Ngoc Duc, one of the most prominent spirit mediums in Hanoi, and his vibrant community through their rituals and everyday life.
The film also examines the impacts of globalization on the lifestyle and identities of homosexuals in Vietnam's urban areas.
Tonight at 7:30 Cinematheque 2A Hai Ba Trung.
