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The
Boat
 of No Smiles

In the chaotic aftermath of Saigon's fall, a young Vietnamese couple's desperate escape by sea becomes a testament to human resilience when their baby is born during a perilous journey, and two Westerners - a photographer and a minister - become their unlikely saviors.

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Con Thuyền Không Nụ Cười

Boat Of No Smiles Trailer (English)

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Team

DIRECTOR

A Vietnamese American dancer and literary writer whose short stories have appeared in Ploughshares, Vice Terraform, Masque & Spectacle, Kweli Journal, and in several anthologies. Their short story “The Chamber of Souls” has been translated into Czech and Spanish. Their short story, “The Seashell” was given honorary mention by the literary magazine, Glimmer Train. Their essay, “Meta Eulogy: Nguyễn Ngọc Loan By A Vietnamese American,” published at DiaCRITICS, was nominated in 2015 for a Sundress Best of the Net Award for creative non-fiction. Zora is the winner of the 2021 San Francisco Foundation/Nomadic Press Literary Award. Zora is a finalist for the 2021 One Story Adina Talve-Goodman Fellowship and a finalist for the 2014 Barbara Deming Writing Grant. They are an alumni of the Sewanee Writing Conference and VONA. They are a frequent contributor for diaCRITICS.

Zora Mai Quỳnh

PRODUCER

Ebonee Pope

Is the Founder and CEO of Enjenuity Films, a creative studio focused on authentic storytelling and cinematic craft. With deep experience in both production and narrative development, she brings a sharp eye and a hands-on approach to every project.

Known for turning bold ideas into powerful visual stories, Ebonee has built a reputation for leading with clarity, purpose, and a passion for original voices. As a filmmaker, producer, and creative strategist, she champions stories that challenge, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

PRODUCER

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Chau Thuy

Is an artist, author, engineer, and the President of the Vietnamese Heritage Museum (VHM), where he leads efforts to preserve and share the stories of the Vietnamese diaspora. A survivor of a perilous escape from Vietnam, Chau brings a deeply personal perspective to his mission—honoring the resilience and sacrifices of the Vietnamese Boat People.

With over 35 years in engineering and two patents to his name, Chau is also a celebrated innovator. Beyond his technical achievements, he’s known for his powerful visual art, Vietnamese calligraphy, and published works Vực Xoáy and Bloodstained Sea. His exhibitions have appeared in institutions such as USC Pacific Asia Museum and the California State University system.

Through storytelling, cultural preservation, and community outreach, Chau is committed to ensuring that the legacy of Vietnamese refugees remains a vital part of the global narrative.

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