David Duc Hiêu Nguyen: From the Drawing Board to the Editing Suite

David’s journey in filmmaking, from early fascination to professional commitment, exemplifies the blending of creative vision and technical skill. A Swiss filmmaker with a passion rooted in storytelling, David’s path has been marked by persistent creativity and a deep love for his craft.

Roots in Creativity

David’s storytelling journey began as a child. “I started when I was very young, around 5 or 6 years old,” he recalls. Drawing stories and creating short films with his family’s camera were his initial forays into filmmaking. By his teenage years, he knew he wanted to pursue this path professionally, leading him to further study film after secondary school.

Education and Pivotal Experiences

David studied film direction at ECAL University of Arts in Lausanne and then went on to major in editing at HEAD (Geneva University of Art and Design) which provided him with the technical foundation for his burgeoning passion. However, it was his internship in Hong Kong that significantly influenced his career. “Living in Hong Kong for more than a month was a big step... I had to learn quickly and prove myself capable,” he says. The fast-paced, multicultural environment of Hong Kong offered a stark contrast to his upbringing in the small Swiss town of Fribourg.

Storyboarding and Themes

David’s approach to filmmaking is deeply visual. “I’m very visual, so I spend a lot of time drawing storyboards,” he notes. This meticulous preparation helps him convey his ideas clearly and ensures that his films align with his vision. His stories often explore themes of human resilience, underdogs and ambition. “My films often revolve around similar themes, particularly the resilience of people when they have a strong goal,” David explains, emphasising the universal spirit in his work.

Directing and Collaboration

On set, David focuses on preparation and clear communication. “I like to take my time to explain how I envision the story and how I want to direct it,” he says. He values collaboration, seeing it as essential to creating something meaningful. “Preparation is key, and I believe in being very thorough in this aspect,” he stresses.

The Creative Process of Editing

Editing is where David believes a film truly comes to life. “There’s a saying in French cinema that a film is written three times: first, when you write the script; second, during filming and third, in the editing room,” he explains. As both director and chief editor, David finds the editing process deeply creative, likening it to reconstructing the film with the material already shot.

Resilience in Filmmaking

David attributes much of his success to resilience and stamina. “Surviving in this field requires mental strength and the ability to keep going despite challenges,” he reflects. His advice to budding filmmakers is to stay curious and productive. “Always have something to show, even if it’s not finished. Keep writing or working on new projects continuously,” he advises.

Inspirations and Future Aspirations

David draws inspiration from a wide array of filmmakers, including Spike Jonze, Martin Scorsese, Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Giuseppe Tornadore. “Growing up, I didn’t have one specific influence but drew inspiration from many sources,” he says, highlighting how diverse influences have shaped his unique storytelling style.

Looking ahead, David remains passionate about connecting with audiences and pushing the boundaries of his craft. “One of the most satisfying moments for me is seeing an audience laughing from the humour of my film,” he says. His goal is to continue exploring new narratives and expanding his creative horizons, driven by his enduring passion for storytelling.

Photo Credits: @jayburtonphotography and @audreyannen