Thao Ho
Directing
Biography
Ho Thanh Thao is a Vietnamese director born in Hanoi, based in Ho Chi Minh City. Studied at The Centre for Assistance and Development of Movie Talents during high school, Thao has made films ranging from documentary to narrative, which explore the complexities of human life and existential issues in the context of Vietnam's modern society. In 2015, Thao attended the directing workshop by director Tran Anh Hung at the Autumn Meeting cinema event. In 2017, her first short film "Ephemera" was selected at numerous film festivals, including Singapore International Film Festival, SeaShorts (Malaysia), Stadtlichter Festival (Berlin, Germany). Her second short film "Highway - Happy Money" was shortlisted at Directors' Fortnight (Quinzaine des Réalisateurs) 2020. Two years later, Thao was one of the finalists of CJ Short Film Making Contest, receiving 12.000 USD to produce her latest short "Omen", which was finalized in 2024.
Known For
Set in the poor Mekong Delta coastal village of Thơm Rơm, the film follows the lives of three women, whose love lives are unusual and unique to their nature. The film is narrated from Hau's perspective, as she experiences life with a husband who only has eyes for another woman, and develops her growing friendship with her rival.
Glorious Ashes
A widow resists sensual dreams with a strange man because she believes that this is the cause of the bad luck that happened to her son.
Omen
During a night drinking session, a young woman becomes close with a dangerous gangster, leaving her friends and her boyfriend stunned.