Trinh T. Minh-ha b. 1952
Surname Viet Given Name Nam (1989)
Documentarian Trinh T. Minh-ha uses stock footage and anecdotal evidence to examine the status of Vietnamese women since the Vietnam War. Melding a combination of dance, poetry and text, Minh-ha delves into the lives of several women, focusing on how their gender determines their lesser status, despite the extent of their wisdom, talent and intelligence. Assuming a strong political stance, this film gives voice to an entire segment of Vietnamese society forced to otherwise remain silent.