NGO QUANG HAI
Ngo Quang Hai is originally from Hai Phong and graduated from the Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema. He currently lives in both Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, where he has been deeply involved in Vietnamese filmmaking — especially international co-productions — for over 30+ years.
He has participated in nearly 20 feature films and, to make a living over the years, has worked in many capacities including actor, assistant director, and associate director alongside prominent Vietnamese directors such as Dang Nhat Minh, Le Duc Tien, Luu Trong Ninh, Vu Xuan Hung, Vuong Duc, My Ha, and others. He has also played leading roles in several foreign films shot in Vietnam.
Education & Credentials
Bachelor’s degree from Hanoi University of Theatre and Cinema
More than 30 years of experience in filmmaking, directing, and acting
Collaborated with major filmmakers in Vietnam as well as production companies from South Korea, Japan, North America, and Europe
Worked with Phillip Noyce on two major films: The Quiet American and Catch a Fire
Worked with Tran Anh Hung on Cyclo, The Scent of Green Papaya, Vertical Ray of the Sun, etc.
Received a Certificate from the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) program in the United States (2011–2015)
Notable Awards & International Recognition (mainly for his debut feature film in 2006)
Golden Kite Awards 2006 (Vietnam Film Association) – Best Film, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actress, Best Cinematography (March 18, 2006)
Official Selection – First Films World Competition, 30th Montreal World Film Festival (Aug 24 – Sep 4, 2006)
Official Selection – Fukuoka International Film Festival (Sep 15–24, 2006)
Closing Film & Rising Asian Star section (for Do Thi Hai Yen) – Busan International Film Festival (Oct 12–20, 2006)
Official Selection – NHK Asian Film Festival, Tokyo (Nov 1–4, 2006)
Official Selection – 15th Golden Rooster & Hundred Flowers Film Festival, China (Oct 25–28, 2006)
Screened at Columbia, Cornell, Yale, Harvard, Dartmouth, UC Berkeley, and other U.S. universities (Oct 27 – Nov 16, 2006) and USC (Jan 13, 2007)
Special Jury Prize – 51st Asia-Pacific Film Festival (Nov 22–25, 2006)
Official Selection – Göteborg Film Festival (Jan 26 – Feb 5, 2007)
“Oscar Showcase” screening, San Francisco (Jan 12–21, 2007)
Official Selection – Belgrade International Film Festival (Feb 23 – Mar 4, 2007)
Official Selection – Maverick Feature Competition, Cinequest Film Festival 17, USA (Feb 28 – Mar 11, 2007)
Official Selection – Brisbane and Bangkok International Film Festivals (2007)
Official Selection – Vladivostok International Film Festival (2008)
Later Career Highlights
From late 2007 to early 2008, Ngo Quang Hai was invited to Australia and New Zealand to study and work on post-production for Phillip Noyce’s Catch a Fire (starring Tim Robbins). In 2008–2009, he served as executive producer and general director of the 26-episode teen series Chit & Piz (co-produced with FPT Media, aired in prime time on VTV3 in July 2010), introducing a completely new style and aesthetic tailored to modern youth. He also acted as production consultant for FPT Media’s early projects such as Programming the Heart (2009 – one of VTV3’s highest-rated series) and served as strategic consultant for various entertainment companies and corporations. During this period he directed the highly creative and highly praised Đẹp Fashion Show 7 (DFS7).
In 2011–2015 he received a prestigious U.S. scholarship for a Master’s in Film (reserved for outstanding directors under 40 with international awards and English proficiency).
Since June 2013 he has lived permanently in the South (Ho Chi Minh City). In 2011 he participated in the ACYPL “Young Leaders” program sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, successfully completing the program with six other delegates.
Recent and Upcoming Projects
2011: Directed 35mm feature Cold Summer
2016: The Iron Box
2019: The Butterfly House
2022: Produced the documentary Silent Warriors about the Covid-19 pandemic (won several state awards); co-produced Vietnam-Hungary feature When Apple Blossoms
2024–present: Planning and directing Wind Blast, Deep Palace Resentment, Rain Streak, Club No.7, Ta U Mountain, and others.
He has taught at Hanoi National University and currently lectures at the Faculty of Cinematic Arts, Van Lang University.
With relentless observation, learning, and skill-building throughout his long career, and with extensive experience working with both domestic and international crews, Ngo Quang Hai and his team established Vimax Films. The company is preparing a slate of ambitious 35mm and digital projects including:
Nguyen Ai Quoc in Paris
Series Buddha King Tran Nhan Tong
Series General Giap
Command Line
Running Away
Vortex
No More Bets
Container
Cold Summer
Deep Palace Resentment and several others.
As director and producer, Ngo Quang Hai is trusted to bring professional expertise and a strong personal signature to every project.
