Private Project

Scarlet Silence

As an up-and-coming painter, Harvey, works on his newest exhibit piece, surrounded by the company of his girlfriend, Mimi, and the art critic Zoe, things start to ruminate around love and jealousy.

  • Zen Nguyen
    Director
  • Jyn Garcia
    Writer
  • Anna de Escobar
    Producer
  • Benjamin Jia
    Key Cast
    "Harvey Jia"
  • Celina Chien
    Key Cast
    "Mimi"
  • Quanna Luo Masterson
    Key Cast
    "Zoe"
  • Mari Yamamura
    Cinematographer
    Fields of War Feature Film
  • Project Type:
    Short, Student
  • Genres:
    Thriller, Drama
  • Runtime:
    11 minutes 36 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    October 18, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Language:
    English
  • Shooting Format:
    Alexa Arri Mini
  • Aspect Ratio:
    1.85:1
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    No
  • Student Project:
    Yes - MetFilm School
  • Toronto International Nollywood Film Festival
    Toronto
    Canada
    Official Selection
  • London Global Film Awards
    London
    United Kingdom
    Best Thriller
  • Stockholm Short Film Festival
    Stockholm
    Sweden
    Official Selection
  • Budapest Film Festival
    Budapest
    Hungary
    Official Selection
Director Biography - Zen Nguyen

Zen Nguyen is a Vietnamese film director and producer, based in London.

As a commercial producer for nearly ten years, she has worked extensively in Thailand and Vietnam, collaborating with national and international brands like KitKat, Suntory, and Nestle. Zen obtained her Master's in Creativity & Marketing in Brussels, Belgium. Eager to deepen her understanding of filmmaking, she embarked on a transformative journey at the New York Film Academy in 2016 and produced other film projects.

Having worked as a line producer on the feature film "The Girl from The Past" in 2022 in Vietnam, Zen's passion for filmmaking led her to pursue an MA in Directing at MetFilm School in London. She approaches each project with dedication and professionalism, striving to empower women within the film industry. “Scarlet Silence” celebrates an all-female team of HoDs.

Add Director Biography
Director Statement

As a Vietnamese female director with a passion for art and psychology, "Scarlet Silence" represents the culmination of my creative vision. This film explores the universal human desire to be loved, completed, and to find oneself, whether through love or art. Set in London, with this project, I hope to break preconceived notions and stereotypes by showcasing Asian casts in lead roles within a Western concept film. 

"Scarlet Silence" defies traditional expectations by placing diverse Asian talents at the forefront of the narrative. Through this intentional casting decision, I aspire to dismantle the limited representations of Asians in mainstream media and promote the idea that cultural backgrounds should not restrict actors from playing complex and multi-dimensional characters. 

This film allows me to explore the profound human experience of longing for love, self-discovery and completion. Harvey, Mimi, and Zoe lead us on a captivating journey where intimacy and love intertwine with the seed of jealousy and ambition that lies deep within their hearts. Moreover, the visual aesthetic will be a focal point, inspired by various artistic movements and infused with symbolism. We aim to immerse the audience in a visually captivating world that mirrors the characters' emotional landscapes through compositions, colours, and careful attention to detail.

With an all-female team of heads of department, "Scarlet Silence" celebrates gender diversity and women's empowerment within the film industry. This collaboration brings a fresh perspective and amplifies the voices of talented women, further enriching the storytelling process. I believe that challenging stereotypes and promoting cultural diversity can pave the way for more authentic and meaningful storytelling. I wish "Scarlet Silence"could serve as a testament to the power of cinema to break down barriers and unite audiences through shared human experiences.

As a Vietnamese female director, I am humbled to bring forth "Scarlet Silence" and offer a unique perspective that intertwines art, psychology, and the power of representation. Through this film, we hope to inspire, provoke, and contribute to a more inclusive and dynamic film industry that embraces the talent and potential of individuals from all backgrounds.