From the Ashes of War: Louisville Screening & Community Panel
About this Event
From the Ashes of War
A Film About Memory, Identity, and the Search for Meaning
How do you understand who you are, when part of your story began before you were born?
For many young Vietnamese Americans, identity exists between worlds. We inherit our families’ traditions, sacrifices, and expectations while growing up in an American culture that encourages us to define ourselves as individuals. Somewhere between those experiences, important parts of our history - and ourselves - can become difficult to understand.
The Vietnamese Community of Louisville, invites you to a special screening of From the Ashes of War (Từ Tro Tàn Chiến Tranh), followed by a live panel discussion and audience Q&A with director Thanh Tâm and voices from Louisville’s Vietnamese community.
This event creates space for an honest conversation across generations. It is an invitation to explore the history we inherited, the stories our families may struggle to tell, and the ways those experiences continue to shape our identities today.
You do not need to be a historian or already feel deeply connected to Vietnamese culture. You only need to be curious about where you come from—and how understanding it might help you better understand yourself.
This is not simply a conversation about war or the past. It is an opportunity to bridge the distance between generations, rediscover parts of ourselves that may feel missing, and consider how cultural memory can give us greater meaning and direction as we build our own lives.
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About the Film
From the Ashes of War is a bilingual English-Vietnamese historical documentary examining the experiences of the military personnel, civil servants, and citizens of the Republic of Vietnam before and throughout the 50 years following April 30, 1975.
Through firsthand accounts from living witnesses, former soldiers and officials, along with perspectives from Vietnamese and American scholars, the film documents the fall of South Vietnam, the hardships endured under the communist regime, the dangerous pursuit of freedom, and the development of Vietnamese communities throughout the world.
At its heart, the film captures more than the painful loss of a homeland. It tells a story of resilience, reinvention, and the determination to create new lives in free societies—while preserving memory, identity, and hope for future generations.
FILM RATING: PG
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Live Panel Discussion and Audience Q&A
Following the screening, a moderated panel will bring together lived experience, cultural leadership, and perspectives from multiple generations:
- Thanh Tâm — Vietnamese Canadian filmmaker and director of From the Ashes of War and Boat People: A 50-Year Journey
- Katelan Nguyen — Leader of River Lotus Lion Dance. Founded in 2019, River Lotus is a neo-traditional team that has performed more than 200 shows while representing East Asian culture throughout Louisville.
- Steven Nguyen — Leader of Lunar Lion Dance. Founded in 2022, Lunar Lion Dance is an inclusive community troupe featuring a ceremonial ensemble, festival drumline, and acrobatic performers.
- Ngoc Lan Vu — A firsthand witness to history and a respected voice within Louisville’s Vietnamese community.
Together, the panel will explore cultural identity, generational memory, family silence, belonging, and the challenge of discovering your own path while carrying a history larger than yourself.
The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A, creating an opportunity for attendees to ask questions, share perspectives, and participate in a conversation that is often difficult—but necessary—to begin.
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Event Schedule
- 5:30 PM — Doors open
- 5:45 PM — Film screening begins
- 8:10 PM — Moderated panel discussion
- 8:30 PM — Audience Q&A and community conversation
- 8:50 PM — Official conclusion
- Private Reception (Event Registered Ticket-holders only)
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Admission and Seating
Admission is free with registration.
Seating is strictly limited to 138 general seats and 4 ADA-accessible seats. Advance registration is strongly encouraged.
Voluntary donations are welcomed in support of the film and its director. No donation is required to attend.
Private Reception Tickets:
- Planning to attend the private reception after the screening? Please claim one complimentary meal voucher so we can provide Da Lat’s Café with an accurate guest count.
- Claim a voucher only if you plan to attend. Available exclusively to registered screening ticket holders. One voucher per guest.
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Following the program, Da Lat’s Café, a locally owned Vietnamese café, will host a private after-hours reception exclusively for registered ticket holders.
The reception will offer guests an opportunity to continue the conversation, connect with members of Louisville’s Vietnamese community, and reflect on the film in a more personal setting.
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Sunday, August 2, 2026
5:30–8:50 PM
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Louisville, KY 40208
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Presented and sponsored by The Vietnamese Community of Louisville.
Agenda
🕑: 05:30 PM - 05:45 PM
Doors Open
Info: The Speed Art Museum doors will open for VCLKY guest to mingle in the lobby.
🕑: 05:45 PM - 08:10 PM
Film Screening Begins
Info: The film screening begin no later than 5:50pm.
🕑: 08:10 PM - 08:50 PM
Moderated panel
Info: Louisville community voices will take stage and have open dialogue about the experiences of the movie.
🕑: 09:00 PM
Private Reception at Da Lat Cafe (Event Registered Ticket Holders Only)
Info: All ticket holders are invited and welcomed to meet at Da Lat: Vietnamese Cafe; sponsored by The Vietnamese Community of Louisville.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00
