The SEAD Project

We're so excited about our free upcoming film screenings and we want to share a bit more about the directors behind the films.

Tony Nguyen is an Oakland-based filmmaker whose work explores the Vietnamese refugee experience and the overlooked stories of folks and communities in the Town. He is the video producer for Asian Health Services, a community health center with roots in Oakland Chinatown that serves over 50,000 residents. His latest film, YEAR OF THE CAT, premiered in late April 2025, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the Fall of Saigon, and has garnered several awards, including the Spotlight Award at the Viet Film Fest in Orange County.

Vera Brunner-Sung was born in Michigan to parents from Korea and Switzerland. Her work across experimental, nonfiction, and narrative explores belonging and American identity. Her films have been presented at festivals, museums, and galleries in the U.S. and abroad, including Sundance, Rotterdam, CPH:DOX, MoMA PS1, and Leeum Samsung Museum of Art. She is the recipient of fellowships from the Center for Asian American Media and the Sundance Institute. BITTERROOT is her second feature.

Watch their films:
📅 Apr 25 | 4-6 PM — YEAR OF THE CAT
📅 May 2 | 4-6 PM — BITTERROOT
📍The Trylon Cinema | 2820 E 33rd St, Mpls, MN
🔗 Registration is required. Link in the bio

Tony Nguyen and other Southeast Asian filmmakers will be attending the Roundtable Discussion on 4/29 at 120 Pillsbury Hall at UMN.
🔗 Registration is required. Link in the bio