Open Call for Video Stories for Threads of Passage Exhibition

WHO

I’m Linh My Truong, a Vietnamese American visual artist using textiles, video, and electronics to create interactive installations that foster connection, reflection, and challenge storytelling. My family are boat refugees who fled Saigon on April 30th, 1975, and I am creating an art exhibition with multiple interactive installations called Threads of Passage: From Vietnam to America to showcase my family’s journey as well as the journey of other Vietnamese refugees after the war.

WHAT

I’m seeking short video submissions (up to 7 minutes) from Vietnamese refugees about their journey to America for an interactive installation in my art exhibition. The interactive installation will showcase video stories of Vietnamese refugees, allowing viewers to choose which to watch by rolling bầu cua cá cọp dice. I understand this is a sensitive topic and welcome submissions from refugees themselves or their children and grandchildren willing to share their family’s story on their behalf.

WHEN

This exhibition will open on Friday, April 25th through Sunday, May 18th to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam war. The deadline for video story submissions is Monday, April 7th.

WHERE

The exhibition will be in Detroit, Michigan at the Annex Gallery at 333 Midland. I’m seeking additional venues across the country, especially in cities with large Vietnamese populations. If you know a gallery or space that might be interested in hosting the exhibition, please contact me at hello@linhcreates.art.

WHY

As a second-generation Vietnamese American, hearing stories of Vietnam and my family’s journey to America helped me feel connected to my roots, especially when I felt out of place. As my parents age and memories fade, I’m driven to record our history before it’s lost. With the 50th anniversary approaching, it’s a crucial time to honor our elders’ experiences while they can still share them. My exhibition aims to inspire Vietnamese people to explore their own family’s refugee stories, preserving them for future generations. When recording your family’s history, I invite you to reflect on why this matters to you and share its potential impact with your loved ones.

HOW

Recording your family member’s story can be as simple as using your phone for video and audio, though you can add microphones or a camera if you’d like. I won’t edit the videos beyond adding family photos (if submitted) and subtitles. The videos will be shown publicly in the art exhibition and optionally in an online archive (you can opt out in the submission form). You’ll be credited in the video, exhibition program, and on my website. Your family’s story is yours—I fully respect your rights, and you can withdraw permission anytime by emailing hello@linhcreates.art.

GUIDE ON HOW TO FACILITATE CONVERSATIONS

Starting the conversation is often the hardest part, so I’ve created a Guide on How to Facilitate Conversations as a free download to help you navigate this process. The guide includes helpful tips using a trauma-informed approach, example questions in English and Vietnamese, resources on Vietnamese oral histories and cultural museums, and suggestions of different media to explore the Vietnamese refugee story.

Credits & Acknowledgements: This guide was created and edited by Linh My Truong, Don Hua, Selena Tran, and Henry Duong. Please share and edit this guide freely. Thank you for the courage to have these conversations with your family!

Video Submission Guidelines

1. Inspiration


2. Choose a Storyteller

  • Select a family member comfortable sharing their experience on camera, or record yourself sharing their story on their behalf.
  • You may tell a story about someone who fled Vietnam but is presumed missing or deceased. These stories are as equally important to preserve and honor.
  • Don’t feel the need to tell your story from beginning to end. You may focus on a specific memory or person that impacted you during your journey.

3. Language

  • Stories may be told in either Vietnamese or English. Please stick to one language for easier subtitling.

4. Video Guidelines

  • Record in minimum 1080p resolution with horizontal orientation.
  • Frame the subject from the chest up, centered in the video.
  • Use good lighting (daylight or artificial) and record in a quiet space for clear audio.
  • Keep videos to 7 minutes max length. You may record a longer video and edit it down however you wish to 7 minutes.

5. Audio-Only Option

  • If submitting audio only, include photos of the family member to accompany their story.

6. Submit Your Story

  • Complete the video release form and upload your video, audio, and photos by Monday, April 7th: Submit your story here

For any questions, please contact Linh at hello@linhcreates.art. Thank you for sharing your family’s story!