Ba Bà Mụ

Experimental short filmt

"Ba Bà Mụ" draws inspiration from the 12 Bà Mụ, the revered goddesses of Vietnamese folklore who are believed to oversee the birth and nurturing of children. These deities embody the theme "God is Woman," celebrating feminine power and the sacred role of women in society. Through this film, we aim to honor their legacy and explore the profound impact of motherhood and femininity in Vietnamese culture.

The creative journey of "Ba Bà Mụ" unfolded during the Covid-19 lockdown, presenting both challenges and opportunities for our team. Separated across three regions of Vietnam—North, Central, and South—we decided to structure the film into three distinct parts, each representing our respective locales. This separation not only reflects our physical distance but also symbolizes the diverse cultural narratives woven throughout our country.

All footage was filmed by team members, who also took on the roles of actresses, allowing us to embody the very essence of the goddesses we sought to portray. We transformed a homemade greenscreen studio into our creative space, experimenting with motion and animated effects to enhance our storytelling. The props and elements we used were also self-made.

Credit: Tran Phuoc Hai Quynh, Tran Thai Dinh Nhi

December 2021.