NEPA Scene Staff

VIDEO: Marywood student wins award for documentary on mother’s journey from Vietnam to Scranton

VIDEO: Marywood student wins award for documentary on mother’s journey from Vietnam to Scranton
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From a press release:

Jenny Nguyen, a senior Multimedia Communication major at Marywood University in Scranton, was recently awarded first place for her short documentary, “Saigon’s Daughter,” at the 2020 College Media Association Film and Audio Festival.

The documentary features the story of Nguyen’s mother, Thao Thi Pham, and her journey from Vietnam to America in search for a better life. Pham was born during the start of the Vietnam War. She and her eight siblings survived by selling livestock. Nguyen’s uncle came to America first and earned enough money for the rest of the family to safely get to the United States. The six-minute documentary follows her mother’s entire life journey.

“I intended this film to reach out to other families from other countries who are faced with discrimination and who are looking for opportunities for a better life. It must have an exhausting impact on a person – on their mental health. For instance, my grandparents have always been very logical – survival first and emotions later. This film gave my mother the opportunity to open up for the first time. I hope, as a result of the film, that people will practice patience and understanding with those who are searching for a better life,” Nguyen said.

In addition to pursuing her education, the young Scranton resident works as a multimedia assistant at The Wood Word, Marywood University’s student-run electronic newspaper. Further, she is a member of TV-Marywood, the Public Relations Student Society of America, the Society of Collegiate Journalists, and she works as a wedding videographer and editor, work that she will continue following graduation.

As an aspiring filmmaker, Nguyen said, “Marywood taught me how to use its resources and tools to draw out my potential. It’s why I chose Marywood when I was searching for colleges. I liked the versatility of production and that I could learn about journalism, public relations, advertising, and then work all of those skill sets into the focus of film.”

The College Media Association serves student media pros, staff, and programs with education, research, and resources. The CMA communicates and works with professional media organizations and education associations on the local, state, and national levels. The Film and Audio Festival is designed to encourage and promote excellence in student video work by showing examples of top-notch projects in several categories. Submitted works for the CMA fall festival are completely produced by college students, and all works were completed after Nov. 2, 2019.

Located in the Learning Commons at Marywood University, the Multimedia Communication department provides media tools necessary to publish an online newspaper; direct, produce, shoot, or edit video and audio programming; create and publish a public relations newsletter; work as on-air television or radio talent; create virtual sets; produce short films; manage social media accounts; broadcast live sporting events; and much more. In a media-driven world, a communication degree plays a central role in careers in journalism, corporate communications, human relations, policy and advocacy, film and TV, sports media, and public relations.

Marywood University (2300 Adams Ave., Scranton) prepares students to have a positive impact on society at regional and global levels while providing each student with the foundation for success in an interdependent world. Founded in 1915 by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, the university serves men and women from a variety of backgrounds and religions.

The university enrolls more than 3,000 students in an array of undergraduate and graduate programs. Committed to enriching human lives, Marywood provides a framework for educational excellence that enables students to develop fully as persons and to master professional and leadership skills necessary for meeting human needs.