Special Cannes Podcast: Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan

About this episode

The episode features an interview with Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan discussing her work as a cinematographer and the impact of the Pierre Angénieux Tribute at Cannes.

I'd argue the Pierre Angénieux Tribute is the best thing going at the Cannes Film Festival. Why? Two reasons: they elevate one filmmaker -- this year, it was Japanese cinematographer Akiko Ashizawa -- by way of tribute. If you haven't seen her work, now is your opportunity. But they don't stop there. they utilize the platform of that tribute to give a "special encouragement" to a young cinematographer. This year, it was my guest, Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan, who combines Vietnamese and French cultures to offer a new and fresh perspective on storytelling. Listen to both conversations and tell me this isn't truly amazing what Angénieux is doing at Cannes. May there be 100 more companies that follow their lead. In this episode, we talk about: the press release indicated that she "belongs to a new generation of Vietnamese filmmakers who seek to redefine the contours of a national cinema" -- what do those words mean to her? how she got involved in filmmaking and decide to be a cinematographer; how much cinematography can be taught?; her relationship with technology and cinematography; the amazing respect she has for Akiko Ashizawa; why there aren't more female cinematographers; what she's…

People in this episode

Host: Benjamin Duchek

Guest: Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan

Topics covered

• Cinematography
• Film Festival
• Cultural Perspectives
• Women in Film
• Filmmaking
• Interviews

Keywords

• Cannes Film Festival
• Nguyễn Phan Linh Đan
• Akiko Ashizawa
• Cinematography
• Vietnamese filmmakers
• Women in cinematography
• Filmmaking technology

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pierre Angénieux, Cannes Film Festival, Instagram

Books & works: Indie Film Highlight: Akiko Ashizawa

More episodes of First Time Go

• Special Tribeca Episode: Rob Rice, dir. of PONDEROSA (2026) · June 12, 2026 · 18 min
• Special Tribeca Podcast: Lyle Lindgren, dir. of MOUTH FULL OF GOLDS (2026) · June 10, 2026 · 27 min
• Special Tribeca Podcast: Branislav Jankic dir. of WHITE BELT (2026) · June 9, 2026 · 14 min
• Indie Film Highlight: OUT OF LOVE (2025) · June 7, 2026 · 2 min
• Special Cannes Podcast: Anna Berthollet of Lightdox · June 4, 2026 · 20 min
• Special Cannes Podcast:  Akiko Ashizawa 芦澤 明子 · June 2, 2026 · 21 min