To her negative press has become her motivation to keep innovate and improve herself in the future.
How did you prepare for such many changes in style throughout the 71st Cannes Film Festival?
No one probably is going to believe me but the chosen outfits was only finalized right before the actual event. After choosing the outfit, I and Minh Loc, my makeup artist sat down together and discuss. For example, I would wear a design from Hoang Hai in my second day, Minh Loc quickly suggested that we could aiming for a black panther inspired look. Then we decided to tan my skin, put my hair in a tribal braid, and finally we had a look that really stood out.
But the dresses have been prepared since March, from the very first idea to implementation by our designers. We spent most of the time from then till the day I left to keep altering until everything was perfect.
* Ly Nha Ky on Cannes red carpet
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Ly Nha transformed into a black panther lady on the red carpet.
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Apart from the glamorous shot, what do you get from appearing on the red carpet?
For me, it is being called "Madame Ly Nha Ky" when I appear, a seat dedicated to my name at every event. I am there as a contributor, not a visitor, and definitely not just a model for the camera.
After 5 years being at Cannes, many still question your business in the film festival. How would you response to them?
Being on the red carpet is only one of my jobs. Every day I only had 3 hours to sleep, the rest of the time I prepare and meet with my business partner. The very first year I was there as an actress sponsored by another business. But after that, I am a proud sponsor for young and talented movie makers around the world. This year, I especially came as a movie producer. There is no need to further prove my position at Cannes.
And how did you come to those roles, by money or any other means?
Money does not say it all here at Cannes. Currently there are only 2 women including me in the list of sponsors for Cinefondation. It depends a lot on one’s contribution, background, and character to be chosen. About producing a movie, it is a business, you invest for profit. This is my section of business that is directly related to the film industry.
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The beauty remarked that appearing on the Cannes red carpet was much more for her than one brief moment of fame. |
Many also wonder how did you amass your fortune to accomplish so many things?
I am aware and completely understand this question. But instead of curiosity, we should spend our time to be productive. I was born in a poor family, I never considered myself to be a genius, but I am quick when it comes to business, and I can devote myself into making a profit. On everyone’s journey, there will be opportunities and help, whether you miss them of not. In every step of the way, I was supported by a lot of people, guided me through the toughest time in my career. Once I have entered the rough road, I determined to go all the way.
Have you ever felt defeated by the press?
I think I have been through too long of a road, with enough up my sleeves too survive under the pressure. No matter how harsh life is to you, endure the pain, and embrace your broken pride as your motivation to fight back. I will keep walking my red carpet even if they keep questioning why so many time. I am there to see the fruit of my work, the premiere of my movies and others in return. And then I will come to more movie premieres in search of knowledge and new friends. People are looking at the tip of the iceberg, but they will see the depth of my work through all this time. I realized that the best way is to let the work speak for itself. My pride is too high to be defeated.
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The beauty was invited to an exclusive interview with a French magazine. |
What is your destination at Cannes?
I want my name, Ly Nha Ky, to represent a movie producer, and businesswoman in the international film industry. Since my first time on Cannes red carpet 2013, I have thinking about finding my own position here, so that my name become influential. Every year is a milestone, with more motivation and energy. And now, the road ahead is wide open for me.
Even to the organizers, from appreciating me as a sponsor, the started to regard me as a partner and a dedicated movie maker. The movie that I invested is on the market now, it will be shown all around France, and other countries in the future. This year particularly I am attracted to many Greek film makers with quite religious theme and social exploration. I would love to invest in one of their projects. My work at Cannes has just started.
Nhieu Huy
