Pham Hung Wanders with Films
- HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (May 4, 2025) — Nearly 20 years ago, Pham Hung established a workshop in Hiep Binh Chanh, Ho Chi Minh City, initially intended...
- Hung's work evolved to encompass the creation of bespoke accessories for television series, marking the beginning of his journey in set decoration.
- The year 2011 marked a turning point for Hung, as he began collaborating with directors Nguyen Duong, Phuong Dien, and Duong Nam Quan.
Pham Hung: From Workshop to award-Winning Film Design
HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (May 4, 2025) — Nearly 20 years ago, Pham Hung established a workshop in Hiep Binh Chanh, Ho Chi Minh City, initially intended as a space for painting adn assembling film set accessories. The workshop, a chameleon-like space, could resemble a carpentry shop one moment, with workers crafting furniture, and an artist’s studio the next, filled with canvases and colors.
Hung’s work evolved to encompass the creation of bespoke accessories for television series, marking the beginning of his journey in set decoration.
Early Career in Television
The year 2011 marked a turning point for Hung, as he began collaborating with directors Nguyen Duong, Phuong Dien, and Duong Nam Quan. Over the years, he dedicated himself to designing film sets across various studios. His portfolio includes television series such as Love Dream, Wilderness Mist, I Wish to Fly Together, Co Tham Ve Lang, and Green Rainbow.
Transition to Film Design
Hung expanded his horizons beyond television, taking on the role of film designer. He collaborated with directors Bao Nhan, Nam Cito, Tran Buu Loc, and Nguyen Huynh on films including The Heiress, The Happiness of a Mother, The Old Girl V – Royal Lives, The Daughter of the Past, My Father is a Playboy, Lucky fortune, Return Home for Tet, and the Entrance to the ghosts in the Palace.These projects fueled his creativity, leading to innovative design concepts that enhanced the cinematic experience.
Award-Winning Work
At the 2021 Vietnamese Film Festival in Hue, Hung received the Remarkable Artistic Designer Prize for his work on Girls Love – But the End of the Family. Hung noted the challenges of constructing two large sets within a protected historical complex in Hue, where conventional construction methods were prohibited. The project demanded meticulous attention to detail and precise accessory creation, as all palace artifacts were considered national treasures. Despite the difficulties, the design team’s work contributed to the film’s luxurious and authentic atmosphere. The film also received a jury prize at the festival.
recent Projects
The prosperous horror film Ghost in the Shell presented Hung with unique challenges, primarily due to its nighttime shooting schedule. According to hung, the large-scale scenes, such as a burial in a forest at night, combined with rain and the cold atmosphere of Bao Loc, served as inspiration to overcome the difficulties.
Hung’s dedication and meticulous approach are evident in each film he undertakes. Every project requires a unique investment and perspective, ensuring that no two films are alike. This dedication to creativity forms the foundation for the vibrant and cinematic images projected onto the screen.
Hung continues to travel extensively, seeking locations that align with the vision of each film. As he says, “the more difficult, the more he likes to do it,” reflecting his unwavering commitment to his craft.
# Pham Hung: From Workshop to Award-Winning Film Design – A Q&A with the Set Designer
## Who is Pham Hung?
Pham Hung is a Vietnamese film designer who transitioned from designing sets for television to creating innovative designs for feature films. The journey began nearly 20 years ago in Ho Chi Minh City.
## Where did Pham Hung’s career begin?
Pham Hung started his career in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with a workshop in Hiep Binh Chanh. Initially, the workshop was a space for painting and assembling film set accessories.
## what kind of work did Pham Hung’s workshop do?
Hung’s workshop was a versatile space. It could function as a carpentry shop, crafting furniture, or transform into an artist’s studio filled with canvases and colors. Over time,he started creating bespoke accessories for television series.
## How did pham Hung transition into set design?
His workshop’s work evolved to encompass the creation of bespoke accessories for television series, marking the beginning of his journey in set decoration.
## What were some of Pham Hung’s early television projects?
In 2011, Pham Hung started collaborating with directors on various television series. Some of the shows he designed sets for include:
* *Love Dream*
* *Wilderness Mist*
* *I Wish to Fly Together*
* *Co Tham Ve Lang*
* *Green Rainbow*
## When did Pham Hung start designing film sets?
Pham Hung’s career as a film designer began after his experience in television. This transition allowed him to work on films like *The Heiress* and *The Happiness of a Mother*.
## What are some of the films Pham Hung has worked on?
Pham hung has worked on a variety of films with different directors. Here are some of the films where he worked as a film designer:
* *The Heiress*
* *The Happiness of a Mother*
* *The Old Girl V – Royal Lives*
* *The Daughter of the Past*
* *My Father is a Playboy*
* *Lucky fortune*
* *Return home for tet*
* *the entrance to the ghosts in the Palace*
## What is Pham Hung’s award-winning work?
Pham Hung received the Remarkable Artistic Designer Prize at the 2021 Vietnamese Film Festival in Hue for his work on *Girls Love – But the End of the Family*.
## What challenges did Pham Hung face on *Girls Love – But the End of the Family*?
The project involved constructing two large sets within a protected ancient complex in Hue. Conventional construction methods were prohibited, demanding meticulous attention to detail and precise accessory creation. All palace artifacts were considered national treasures.
## What were some of Pham Hung’s recent projects?
One of Pham Hung’s recent projects was the horror film *Ghost in the Shell*. The film’s nighttime shooting schedule and the challenges of shooting large-scale scenes,such as a burial in a forest at night with rain,served as inspiration for Hung.
## How woudl you describe Pham Hung’s approach to his work?
Pham Hung demonstrates a meticulous and dedicated approach to his craft. He invests unique perspectives into each project, ensuring that no two films are alike. He travels extensively, seeking locations that align with the vision of each film.
## Can you summarize Pham Hung’s career highlights in a table?
Certainly! Here’s a summary of Pham Hung’s career highlights:
| Career Stage | Year | Key Activities/Projects |
|---|---|---|
| Workshop Establishment | ~2005 | established workshop in H
|