After various articles about the role of Ly Nha Ky in Cannes, there were many responds that Ly Nha Ky was absurd to self-assumed that the investment she put into her image for Cannes was for the ethnic pride. Today, Ly Nha Ky written a letter to her readers.
I decided to attend Cannes Film Festival just 10 days before the Opening Ceremony, due to the enthusiastic invitations from friends in the Organization Board. The second time in Cannes, I had many opportunities to observe and to learn many useful lessons that I would like to share...
When I came to Cannes, there are some articles praising me as the “Vietnamese representative in Cannes”. I am thankful for this title. However I think that I am not talented or beautiful enough to take that “mission”. Vietnam has many other beautiful and talent people that deserved to be the representative in Cannes more than me.
I came to Cannes simply because of the invitation from the Organization Board. Just like many other entrepreneurs in the world gathering here, I came to search for new business opportunities, to meet new international friends and to take the chance to catch up with partners that normally I had to go to each of their countries to see them.
Cannes is the world's leading film festival; everyone would like to attend it at least once in their life. Cannes is not only for Actors, Actresses and Film Directors only, but is also the place that converges many talents from different fields, especially the representatives from famous brands, well-known entrepreneurs, world beauties and models and also all the audiences who passionate about the movie industry.
All came with their own purposes. Some came to look for opportunities to develop their business, others came to learn and exchange experiences, or simple to just enjoy interesting movies because of their love for the film industry.
Especially, there were many artists came from countries that did not have any movies running for the award. They came to support the movie industry and to “mark” their country’s appearance on the reputed red carpet. That is one of the reasons why I decided to attend this movie festival.
Whoever coming to an international event must have the same feelings as me. Between many countries, my desire to deliver our country name, to highlight it even more on the global map is intense
I came to Cannes as a private individual; I stepped on the red carpet of Cannes not as a star, an actress. I was an entrepreneur just like my other entrepreneur friends, and we walked together on the red carpet. Cannes was always a wide opened door for every fields, aiming to boost the development of the movie industry as well as commercial and tourism
Therefore I came to Cannes and walked on the red carpet not just to see how many cameras were pointing towards me. However, I was proud when there were many photographers helping me capture the beautiful images and moments on the red carpet, and always welcomed me every time I appeared, always asked where I came from. In those moments, what made me feel the most happy is introducing that I am from Vietnam.
Walking on the Cannes red carpet also made me realized the disadvantages of Vietnamese artists when attending the world’s events. You just have to take a look at Asian countries with developed movie industry such as China, Korea… to see that clearly. I saw by my own eyes the powerful e-kip working in an extremely professional manor to create Fan Bing Bing’s image on the red carpet.
When Fan Bing Bing walked up the Cannes red carpet, there were three assistants helped her to fix her dress and a stylist followed closely behind her. She was also sponsored by many famous brands with the most beautiful outfit to help her shined. Not mentioning about the preparation before hand for this grand event; she had a big crew, a group behind prepared everything for her years in advance.
Moreover, the red carpet is her “job”, just like many other artists coming from countries where entertainment and film are moneymaking industries; therefore, they are very professional, they are trained to have an outstanding appearance of a movie star.
In Vietnam, I feel that artists are still having a hard time, before dressing up in the luxurious outfits; most of them must work or do business in different fields to “feed” their passion. Therefore, it is certain that we do not have the “style” on the red carpet and no chance to learn the the red carpet “technique”.
Take myself as an example, when I was in Cannes, I did not get to just sit down relaxing and drink tea, have breakfast and then put on my makeup and dress up to wait to walk on the red carpet as many other Asian artists. I had to arrange to sort out my work and make time for appointments, with little relaxing time. When the event nearly began, I had to rush back the hotel to change clothes and make up. I also had to iron my own clothes, choose and put on the dresses by myself.
Although we did not have the support of a large crew like international stars, neither the chance to prepare our outfits years in advance, we only had an afternoon to choose the outfits that were available in my own shop, my make-up artist Minh Loc, my photographer Le Thien Vien and myself had to try very hard to be able to step on the red carpet looking our best and put together. However, I am glad that my style in Cannes has left some impression not only to the media but also to the international stars.
I always belive that Vietnam has enough talents and beauties to walk on the red carpet of Cannes like all the international stars, but we lack of opportunities. A fish in the tank always believes that it is not as capable as a fish in sea, but if this fish can be in the sea, no one knows which one will be better.
I always believe that Vietnam can achieve many things in the world if we have the opportunity. It’s also because we lack of opportunities that whenever someone steps out the international environment, not only in artistry, they need the support of their country in order to be confident and shine. Instead of censorious words and criticisms, encouragement and hearted advice will bring about better things
Despites not stepping out the world as a representative; but anyone steps out would feel that they have a responsibility to honor their country. The encouragement and support from the public of their countries will be the best coat to protect them and help them success. Vice versa, censorious words and criticism will be a great obstacle, making them hesitate and doubtful when they intend to join in any event.
Cannes gave me many new experience and different levels of emotions through my observation and interaction with international friends and stars. Cannes is over, but it left behind so many feelings, emotions, and happiness from all the praises and support from the Vietnamese media and public during my time at Cannes
Video was recorded Ly Nha Ky on the red carpet by an international television channel
Ly Nha Ky
