A House in Ninh Hoa

A family home reveals history, memory and unseen connections

Set in a modest family home in Ninh Hoa, near the southern coast of Vietnam, A House in Ninh Hoa explores the intricate dynamics of the Le family through their daily routines and shared spaces. The household, largely led by women, exists within a broader transnational network that connects Vietnam and Germany, shaped by decades of migration and the lasting consequences of the Vietnam War.

The film centres on the legacy of three brothers whose lives trace different historical trajectories. One became a diplomat in Bonn and remained in Germany after the fall of South Vietnam, another disappeared during the final days of the war, and the third endured a re education camp before returning to the family home. These fragmented histories continue to influence the present, where relatives live both near and far, and where absence is as significant as presence.

Through carefully composed scenes of everyday life, conversations, letters and rituals, the documentary constructs a layered portrait of memory and belonging. The narrative extends beyond the material world into spiritual beliefs, as family members seek to reconnect with a missing relative whose remains were never found.

Blending observation with subtle staging, the film reflects on migration, identity and the persistence of history within intimate spaces. The house itself becomes a living archive where personal stories intersect with broader historical forces.