Riveting, Authentic, Inspiring
For many of us who became adults during the Vietnam War, mentions of Vietnam evoke images of Kim Phúc at age 9 running away from her village after being struck by napalm. Unknown to most of the American people, however, beneath the struggle of those years was a culture with a rich history and modern relevance.
In Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon, the granddaughter of legendary musician and composer Y Vân invites us along as she unfolds her deep ties to a grandfather she never met, yet through vivid recurring dreams feels called to recover his legacy.
The documentary, co-directed by Khoa Ha and Victor Velle, chronicles Khoa’s quest for information and recordings of her grandfather and his music.
We discover along with her that he was not simply a musician. Y Vân assembled and led bands, wrote and composed music for many besides himself, and produced more than 500 songs—in addition to composing film scores and children’s music. He was likened to Quincy Jones of Motown in his impact.
Khoa shares her journey in four chapters. “The Calling” includes her own story, born and raised in Vietnam until moving to Little Saigon in California at age 17, and the stories of her parents and extended family. In memories stretching back to the 1930s, her grandfather and his music come to life amidst recollections of this kind and immensely talented man.
“The Search” continues in alleyways and music stores with Khoa and her mother seeking sheet music, recordings, and leads. They meet a collector of pre-war music and antiques, and gain insights into the music culture Y Vân entered and transformed as the war brought American tastes to the country. Y Vân turned out hit after hit, including a popular anthem to Saigon.
“The Music” chronicles their success as they learn about Hung Phuong, a collector of sheet music, 45 records, reel to reel tapes, and studio masters. With access to more than 100 songs of recording quality and several musicians who worked directly with Y Vân, for Khoa it was like being in the studio with her grandfather. The stories from his bandmates are emotional and healing, with tender moments captured in smiles and tears.
“Legacy” brings it all together into a celebratory event in Saigon for family and friends to reintroduce Y Vân to the world.
. . . the character and musicality of Y Vân are inspiring.”
The 94-minute documentary, as seen through the eyes of Khoa, is enhanced by the skillful cinematography of Jake L. Mitchell and adept editing of Ben Shearn. Producer Douglas Emerson assembled a talented team that finds the balance of delivering relevant material without getting lost in detail.
Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon is riveting and authentic, the people are engaging, and the character and musicality of Y Vân are inspiring. His most acclaimed song, Lòng Mẹ, expresses the depth and tenderness found in a mother’s love. It recognizes his mother’s devotion to him, his siblings, and the family. More importantly it is his love song for her—and a statement about him.
Y Vân’s talent and humanity shine through every scene, eclipsing even the music.
Screenings of Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon (94 minutes, USA-Vietnam, rated PG, in English and Vietnamese) at the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival April 23-28 are sponsored by Festival Mozaic and KRUSH 92.5.