Dinh Viet Tuong, a young man with Tic syndrome, steps into the spotlight in the film Human Trafficking Camp
Báo Tuổi Trẻ04:14
Regardless of my role, I hope to use my voice and my journey to inspire young people in general, and especially those who face the same challenges as I do."
A touching scene between Nhan and his mother in the film *Human Trafficking Camp*. (Photo: Provided by the production team)
Dinh Viet Tuong—a young man living with Tic syndrome (a neuro-motor condition causing involuntary eye blinking, facial and limb twitches, and vocal outbursts)—shared these thoughts on Facebook on the afternoon of September 30, following his appointment as a member of the 9th Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation for the 2024–2029 term.
He has garnered significant attention for his role as Nhan, a disabled victim brutally abused within a cross-border human trafficking ring in the film *Human Trafficking Camp*, currently in theaters. Previously, Tuong went viral on social media for his duet of "Toi Phi Thuong" (I Am Extraordinary) with Bui Cong Nam during a music program last year.
In *Human Trafficking Camp*, which is currently leading the Vietnamese box office (grossing over 150 billion VND as of the evening of September 30, according to Box Office Vietnam), Tuong plays Nhan, the son of the character portrayed by People's Artist Nhu Quynh. The character shares many similarities with Tuong’s real life, from the manifestations of his Tic syndrome to his feelings of pain, insecurity, dependency, and deep attachment to his mother.
Instead of merely reenacting his own story, Dinh Viet Tuong transformed the experiences that once caused him pain into material for his performance. Audiences have been deeply moved by the tearful reunion scene between Nhan and his mother in the human traffickers' autonomous zone. The scene where the two choose to end their lives has also left a haunting impression on many, with numerous viewers moved to tears by the harshness of the reality depicted.
On X (formerly Twitter), the reunion scene is being widely shared, attracting over 1.5 million views. Many international viewers have left comments asking for the film's title. User AE G wrote: "I don't think anyone could endure watching this."
Dinh Viet Tuong says he chose to step into the spotlight to prove that those with Tic syndrome can still live vibrant lives. (Photo: Provided by the production team)
This marks Dinh Viet Tuong's first film role. His journey to the project began with a call from producer Meo Bich Trang; however, his initial reaction was not excitement, but hesitation. The character of Nhan is psychologically complex, enduring numerous scenes of abuse, restraint, and trauma. Tuong lacked the confidence to accept the role, fearing he might disrupt the production process.
After receiving encouragement, he decided to film an audition tape and send it to the producers. Three days later, the feedback from the crew gave him the confidence he needed. That was when he decided to embark on this entirely new experience.
As a first-time actor, Tuong had to face cameras, lighting, co-stars, action sequences, and, most importantly, heavy psychological scenes. His greatest challenge was finding a way to channel his own experiences into the character without letting real-life emotions overwhelm the cinematic narrative.
Tuong says that this time, he "did not cry out of self-pity, but because I had overcome my own fears." Speaking about his on-screen mother, Tuong describes People's Artist Nhu Quynh as a second mother on set.
The veteran artist did not teach him acting techniques, but rather radiated warmth, teaching him how to listen to his body and let his emotions flow naturally. Tuong expressed that just by looking into Nhu Quynh's compassionate eyes, he truly felt like a son in need of comfort.
He added that one of the scenes that left the deepest impression on him was the moment his character helplessly watches his mother being attacked by the traffickers, unable to intervene. The internal conflict between love and the helplessness of his condition haunted Tuong long after filming concluded.
Dinh Viet Tuong during a cinetour with the film crew. (Photo: Provided by the production team)
A touching scene between Nhan and his mother in the film *Human Trafficking Camp*. (Photo: Provided by the production team)
Dinh Viet Tuong—a young man living with Tic syndrome (a neuro-motor condition causing involuntary eye blinking, facial and limb twitches, and vocal outbursts)—shared these thoughts on Facebook on the afternoon of September 30, following his appointment as a member of the 9th Central Committee of the Vietnam Youth Federation for the 2024–2029 term.
He has garnered significant attention for his role as Nhan, a disabled victim brutally abused within a cross-border human trafficking ring in the film *Human Trafficking Camp*, currently in theaters. Previously, Tuong went viral on social media for his duet of "Toi Phi Thuong" (I Am Extraordinary) with Bui Cong Nam during a music program last year.
In *Human Trafficking Camp*, which is currently leading the Vietnamese box office (grossing over 150 billion VND as of the evening of September 30, according to Box Office Vietnam), Tuong plays Nhan, the son of the character portrayed by People's Artist Nhu Quynh. The character shares many similarities with Tuong’s real life, from the manifestations of his Tic syndrome to his feelings of pain, insecurity, dependency, and deep attachment to his mother.
Instead of merely reenacting his own story, Dinh Viet Tuong transformed the experiences that once caused him pain into material for his performance. Audiences have been deeply moved by the tearful reunion scene between Nhan and his mother in the human traffickers' autonomous zone. The scene where the two choose to end their lives has also left a haunting impression on many, with numerous viewers moved to tears by the harshness of the reality depicted.
On X (formerly Twitter), the reunion scene is being widely shared, attracting over 1.5 million views. Many international viewers have left comments asking for the film's title. User AE G wrote: "I don't think anyone could endure watching this."
Dinh Viet Tuong says he chose to step into the spotlight to prove that those with Tic syndrome can still live vibrant lives. (Photo: Provided by the production team)
This marks Dinh Viet Tuong's first film role. His journey to the project began with a call from producer Meo Bich Trang; however, his initial reaction was not excitement, but hesitation. The character of Nhan is psychologically complex, enduring numerous scenes of abuse, restraint, and trauma. Tuong lacked the confidence to accept the role, fearing he might disrupt the production process.
After receiving encouragement, he decided to film an audition tape and send it to the producers. Three days later, the feedback from the crew gave him the confidence he needed. That was when he decided to embark on this entirely new experience.
As a first-time actor, Tuong had to face cameras, lighting, co-stars, action sequences, and, most importantly, heavy psychological scenes. His greatest challenge was finding a way to channel his own experiences into the character without letting real-life emotions overwhelm the cinematic narrative.
Tuong says that this time, he "did not cry out of self-pity, but because I had overcome my own fears." Speaking about his on-screen mother, Tuong describes People's Artist Nhu Quynh as a second mother on set.
The veteran artist did not teach him acting techniques, but rather radiated warmth, teaching him how to listen to his body and let his emotions flow naturally. Tuong expressed that just by looking into Nhu Quynh's compassionate eyes, he truly felt like a son in need of comfort.
He added that one of the scenes that left the deepest impression on him was the moment his character helplessly watches his mother being attacked by the traffickers, unable to intervene. The internal conflict between love and the helplessness of his condition haunted Tuong long after filming concluded.
Dinh Viet Tuong during a cinetour with the film crew. (Photo: Provided by the production team)
