Year of the Cat

Directed by Tony Nguyen
[In-Person for Q&A!]

YEAR OF THE CAT follows filmmaker Tony Nguyen on an extraordinary quest to solve the mystery of his father, lost in the chaos of the Fall of Saigon 50 years ago. Crafted as an investigative home movie, this intensely raw documentary weaves together moments of humor and heartache, offering an intimate look at how the children of refugees are shaped by war and loss. As Tony delves into his family’s history, the film reveals the emotional lengths we go to in confronting the past—and the possibility of healing as we reclaim and transform our futures.

“In this beautiful and moving film documenting the long search for his biological father, Tony Nguyen threads the needle between cautious and courageous, diplomatic and risky. It is highly specific, highly personal, and in its transformative spirit, it is universal. It's as much about the friends and family he makes along the way as it is about finding an answer. And in a society that erases us at best and enacts violence on us at worst, it's inspiring to see a fellow Vietnamese American, an Asian American man, model vulnerability and love.” - BAO PHI, Caldecott Award-winning author of A Different Pond and Sông I Sing.

Directed, Edited, Produced by Tony Nguyen
Key Cast: Tony Nguyen, Giap Nguyen, Kyle Le, Lien Macdonald

Year of the Cat is presented in partnership with:

https://hnvi.org/

Vietnamese Association of Illinois

Founded in 1976, The Vietnamese Association of Illinois (VAI) is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that focuses on serving diverse communities of all ethnicities and religions, fostering unity, and promoting Vietnamese American identity.

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HAIBAYO

HAIBAYÔ is a creative initiative that aims to energize Asia on Argyle.