Y Vân: The Lost Sounds of Saigon
Colorfully stylized and full of musical discovery, filmmaker Khoa Ha takes us with her as she travels back to Vietnam—and back in time—to reconnect with the legacy of her grandfather, the celebrated composer and arranger Y Vân. A central figure in Vietnamese popular music from the 1950s through the early 1970s, Y Vân helped define the sound of Saigon during a vibrant cultural era before the war. Guiding us through record shops, archives, and conversations with musicians who once worked alongside him, Ha pieces together the story of an artist whose music once filled dance halls, radio waves, and living rooms across the country. Through her search, she works to recover and preserve Y Vân’s music. The film’s playful, confident style mirrors Ha’s own presence on screen, inviting audiences to join her in uncovering both family history and a remarkable chapter of Vietnamese musical heritage. —Michelle Svenson
Director/s
Khoa Ha
Khoa Ha is a multidisciplinary artist with over a decade of experience as a graphic designer and art director. Born and raised in Vietnam, and moved to California in 2011, she’s left her mark on both Saigon and Los Angeles’ creative communities. With a background in top LA agencies and her own award-winning studio, her expertise and repertoire has shaped brands in a myriad of categories, with clients such as Coachella, ComplexCon, Bandai, Uber Eats, Manscaped, and Toyota.
Victor Velle
Victor Velle is a thoughtful and honest director, always working to capture the truth of what binds and connects all humans. Born in France, raised in Los Angeles by a family of filmmakers, he’s been immersed in the industry his whole life. From commercials to music videos, pilots to documentaries, his directorial ability knows no bounds. His feature documentaries, 8 Billion Angels (2019) and The Jewish Jail Lady and the Holy Thief (2022), have garnered over 30 festival selections, five of which earned finalist selections and five of which were awarded a win. His edge is the ability to capture intimate personal stories and elevate them to resonate deeply with any audience.
Expected Guests
KHOA HA • Director
VICTOR VELLE • Director
DOUGLAS EMERSON • Producer