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SAIGON 75
Telling the untold stories
DOCUMENTARY
Saigon 75 is a powerful, inspiring documentary that shines a light on the untold stories of those whose lives were changed by the end of the Vietnam War in 1975. It explores the events surrounding the Fall of Saigon and the subsequent waves of migration from Vietnam in the years that followed from multiple perspectives. Some left in 1975 as American forces withdrew e.g., those rapidly transported by helicopter to the decks of the last US aircraft carriers to leave, others were “boat people”, or the orphans flown out of Saigon for adoption in other countries, leaving the South to the advancing communist army from the North. Others were from the North or from Chinese heritage, offering fascinating, multifaceted perspectives, some of whom departed across decades that followed as economic migrants. Each inspirational narrative is a testament to human resilience—stories of journeys, migration, hope, and the pursuit of successful lives in new countries.
Thuy Hoang has teamed up with BAFTA and Royal Television Society-nominated Editor and TV Producer/ Director Martin Johnson and Director of Photography Patrick Acum, who have a raft of credits including Netflix, National Geographic, Disney+ and BBC TV (please visit the "About us" page).
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“Fifty years on, this documentary reflects on 1975 as the critical turning point that sparked Vietnamese communities across the globe. Through diverse, deeply personal perspectives, and looking at the issues from all sides, it captures human stories that embody resilience and the enduring spirit of hope.” — Thuy Hoang
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Currently in production this compelling documentary is a labour of love for Vietnamese immigrant Thuy. Thuy is no stranger to TV having reached the quarter finals of BBC MasterChef, but Saigon75 takes her on a journey back to her roots, her cultural history and a past that has shaped hers and many other Vietnamese families.
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Thuy's father was a naval officer who stayed in Saigon after its fall. He was sent to a "re-education camp" for three years before being welcomed into the UK with his family as a refugee. For the first year of his incarceration, Thuy’s mother was left supporting two small children with little money not knowing if he was alive or dead. The family lived with hope leaving an emotional scar that exists today. For Thuy there are unanswered questions though, and, for the first time, she will get to sit down with her father who has promised to answer them.
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The stories of Saigon 75 will resonate not just with Vietnamese immigrants around the world but with anyone who has left their home, their culture, their families and their belongings behind to start a new life in another country.