Love Man, Love Woman

52 min / color video
Vietnam 2007
Directorirectorirector: Nguyen Trinh Thi
For centuries, Vietnam’s Dao Mau (Mother Goddess Religion) temples have been the one place where homosexuals are able to flourish in a predominantly homophobic country. In
these traditional temples, where attendance is surprisingly mixed, they are able to express their sexuality and femininity, blurring the distinctions between genders. This documentary takes a heartening look at this group of ’dong co,’ meaning ‘princess spirit mediums.’ This is a term that has originated from an indigenous religion and is generally used in Vietnam to refer to effeminate and gay men who attempt to forge their own community, culture and rituals together. The filmmaker follows Master Luu Ngoc Duc, one of the most prominent spirit mediums in Hanoi, and his vibrant community
through their rituals and everyday life. The film also examines the impacts of globalization on the lifestyle and the identities of homosexuals in Vietnam’s urban areas.