Vietnamese journalist-turned-filmmaker Phanxinê made a pivotal decision in 2008 to pursue filmmaking in his native country rather than Hollywood. This choice was influenced by an encounter during his film class at the University of Southern California, where he was advised that a story about a Vietnamese American woman would only be successful if the lead character was white to appeal to a broader audience.
Phanxinê, known professionally by a single name, realized his passion for filmmaking stemmed from wanting to authentically portray the stories of his people, culture, and country. Over 15 years later, he is involved in his first U.S.-based acting role in HBO's adaptation of “The Sympathizer,” alongside a cast of Vietnamese actors.
