Good Mourning Vietnam (Người Khóc Thuê)

Join us for a screening of Good Mourning Vietnam (Người Khóc Thuê), a documentary by British Vietnamese filmmaker Huong D. Ta, followed by a conversation with Huong and film critic Phuong Le. 

The film explores the tradition of professional mourning in Vietnam, following those who perform grief and mourning as a form of work and cultural practice. Through intimate encounters and observations of funeral rituals, the film opens up questions around grief, memory, cultural identity and the ways traditions change over time. 

Screened on Mid-Autumn Festival, the event offers an opportunity to reflect on the traditions, stories and forms of connection that are carried across generations. While Mid-Autumn is often associated with family, reunion and celebration, the film invites us to consider the wider ways communities remember, care for one another and maintain connections with those who have come before us. 

Following the screening, Huong D. Ta will be joined by film critic Phuong Le for a conversation about the film, its making and the traditions it explores. Together, they will consider questions of cultural memory, ritual, representation and the ways traditions are carried, transformed and remembered across generations. The conversation will be followed by an audience Q&A. 

The screening is part of Museum of the Home’s ESEA Programme, exploring the histories, cultures and experiences of East and Southeast Asian communities.

Film duration: 67 minutes

Language: Vietnamese with English subtitles

Please note: This film has an age rating of 18. The film explores themes of grief, mourning and death, and some scenes may be emotionally distressing for some viewers.

Doors open at 7pm. The screening begins at 7.20pm following a short introduction. The film will be followed by a conversation with director Huong D. Ta and film critic Phuong Le, and an audience Q&A.