tmtm 8 Nov 26 Ashley Duong (Ba's Book at Reel Asian) + Laura Plancarte (Hot Docs 2024)

When director Ashley Da-Lê Duong read her father’s memoir, 'Dear Da-Lê', she had questions that could only be answered by journeying to Vietnam with him. Once there, she realized that the truth could only emerge by directing a hybrid documentary, with actors standing in for her father and his siblings as they recall and help “direct” scenes from their lives. What emerges is Ba's Book,' a fascinating look at family secrets, dynamics, and the impact of history on the individual.

Catch BA'S Book at Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival on November 11, and be sure to check out the related Artist Talk and book signing by her dad on November 12. Complete details at reelasian.com

While interviewing Ashley, I immediately thought of my conversation with director Laura Plancarte about her film 'Mexican Dream' (Hot Docs 2024). Like Ashley, Laura felt that the only way to get at the truth of her subject’s story was to empower María (Male), a survivor of abuse, to help document aspects of her own life as a woman determined to rebuild it and regain custody of her estranged children.