Od modelinga, koji joj je doneo međunarodnu prepoznatljivost, preko glume, do filmske produkcije, Quynh Thy je svoj put gradila vođena željom da istražuje nove mogućnosti, ali i da ostane verna sebi. Iza dugogodišnjeg iskustva u svetu mode i filma stoji žena koja ne veruje da uspeh treba meriti samo vidljivim rezultatima, već i onim što stvaramo, osećamo i ostavljamo iza sebe.
Njen najnoviji film, Once Upon a Time We Loved, nastao je upravo iz takvog uverenja – da neke priče vredi ispričati čak i kada put do njihovog ostvarenja nije lak. U razgovoru, Quynh Thy govori o odlukama koje su je oblikovale, izazovima koje je prihvatila i snovima koje tek želi da ostvari.
Izgradili ste karijeru dugu više od dve decenije, tokom koje ste se uspešno ostvarili u modelingu, glumi, muzici, filmskoj produkciji i preduzetništvu. Kada se osvrnete na svoj put, koji je trenutak zaista promenio pravac Vašeg života i karijere?
Kada sam tek počinjala da se bavim modelingom, uvek sam sebi govorila da moram mnogo da radim na usavršavanju svojih veština kako bih daleko dogurala u ovoj profesiji. Jednog dana našla sam se na naslovnicama šest velikih domaćih i stranih magazina. Nakon toga, Playboy za azijsko tržište pozvao me je da se pojavim na njihovoj naslovnici, uz ponudu veoma visokog honorara.
Taj trenutak je mogao da promeni moj život da sam prihvatila ponudu, ali nisam želela da se proslavim na taj način. Umesto toga, želela sam da sačuvam sliku i kulturu Vijetnamke u očima javnosti i međunarodne zajednice. Takav stav podstakao me je da radim još više. Želela sam da dokažem sebi da mogu da uspem bez izazivanja kontroverzi i privlačenja pažnje na taj način. Od tog trenutka, takav način razmišljanja počeo je da oblikuje moj život.
Kako se modna industrija promenila od Vaših početaka i šta mislite da današnji mladi modeli mogu da nauče od Vaše generacije?
Kada sam tek zakoračila u ovu industriju, put do uspeha u modelingu bio je mnogo sporiji i zahtevniji. Podrazumevao je veliku disciplinu, odricanje i naporan rad. Postati zaštitno lice prestižnih magazina i učestvovati na velikim modnim revijama bilo je izuzetno teško. Od modela se nije očekivalo samo da poseduju neophodne veštine već i da vode uredan, disciplinovan život.
Sećam se da sam subotom uveče ostajala kod kuće i ispred ogledala vežbala različite poze, umesto da izlazim. Danas su savremene tehnologije i kulturni trendovi promenili način na koji se modeli biraju, ali i način na koji publika otkriva i prati svet mode i modeling industriju. Sve se odvija mnogo brže, a popularnost se često stiče gotovo preko noći. Uprkos svim tim promenama, verujem da današnji mladi modeli i dalje mogu mnogo da nauče iz principa kojima se vodila moja generacija: da neguju zdravo telo, optimističan duh i spremnost na naporan rad.
Šta Vas je prvobitno privuklo glumi i na koji način je iskustvo iz modelinga uticalo na Vaš pristup ulogama na filmskom platnu?
Gluma me je privukla zato što nisam želela da budem samo lepo lice. Želela sam da se posvetim drugoj umetnosti, kroz koju bih mogla da istražujem različite aspekte ljudskog postojanja. Tokom dugogodišnje karijere u modelingu naučila sam da u fotografisanje unesem svoju ličnost, da u fotografije utisnem deo sebe i tako im podarim dušu i život. Verujem da upravo to čini fotografiju lepom. Isti pristup prenosim i na glumu: nastojim da svakoj ulozi udahnem dušu i život.
Kao i kada poziram pred foto-aparatom, trudim se da razumem lik koji tumačim i da mu podarim nešto jedinstveno, nešto duhovno što će njegovu priču učiniti autentičnom. Verujem da je upravo ta neopipljiva dimenzija ono što lik čini uverljivim, bliskim publici i istinitim. U svom najnovijem filmu Once Upon a Time We Loved verujem da sam uspela da oživim lik i na iskren način dočaram i radost i tugu.
Kako odlučujete kada treba da sledite srce, a kada da se oslonite na strateško razmišljanje?
Odlučujem da sledim srce kada je ono toliko snažno da preuzima kontrolu nad mojim umom i usmerava me u određenom pravcu, dok mi racionalni proračuni, koji me navode na suprotnu odluku, deluju potpuno pogrešno. Kada sam postala filmska producentkinja, na primer, imala sam priliku da snimim horor ili akcioni film. Ipak, srce mi je govorilo da treba da napravim ljubavnu dramu, iako sam bila potpuno svesna komercijalnih rizika koje takav žanr nosi. Nakon što sam pročitala scenario, donela sam konačnu odluku.
Tako je nastao moj aktuelni film Once Upon a Time We Loved, na koji sam izuzetno ponosna, a u kojem potpisujem produkciju i tumačim glavnu ulogu. Kao producentkinji, bilo mi je potrebno dve godine da obezbedim finansiranje i okupim glumačku i autorsku ekipu. Snimanje je počelo u julu 2025. i trajalo do januara 2026. godine, na četiri lokacije u Vijetnamu: u Sajgonu, Hanoju, Vung Tauu i Fu Jenu.
Tokom čitavog procesa suočavala sam se s brojnim poteškoćama. Neke su me dovele do suza i gotovo navele da odustanem. Ipak, uspela sam da prevaziđem sve prepreke jer sam osećala da sam srcem potpuno posvećena ovom projektu. Za mene je taj film bio poput deteta, a ne samo poslovni poduhvat. Kada se danas osvrnem na sve, srećna sam što sam poslušala svoje srce.
Sada svoju karijeru razvijate i u pravcu filmske produkcije. Kakve priče najviše želite da ispričate i šta biste voleli da publika oseti ili ponese sa sobom nakon gledanja Vaših filmova?
Kao filmska producentkinja, uvek moram da vodim računa o finansijskoj strani projekta i da naporno radim kako bi film ostvario komercijalni uspeh. To je važno kako bih sačuvala poverenje investitora, ali i glumaca i čitave ekipe. Ipak, kada god imam priliku, volela bih da na veliko platno donesem priče koje na najiskreniji način prikazuju ljudske slabosti i otkrivaju lepotu u svakodnevici, čak i u njenoj naizgled običnoj i monotonoj strani.
Nadam se da će publika u tim pričama pronaći zabavu i emocionalnu povezanost, kao i da će im se vraćati kada im bude potrebna uteha. Verujem da sam upravo to postigla filmom Once Upon a Time We Loved. Film govori o osamnaestogodišnjem mladiću koji se zaljubljuje u znatno stariju ženu, kao i o tragičnim posledicama takve strasti. Nadam se da će publika uživati u filmu i u njemu pronaći nešto što će je duboko dotaći.
Šta su Vas putovanja širom sveta naučila o Vama samoj i na koji način su različite kulture i iskustva oblikovali ženu kakva ste danas?
Imala sam izuzetnu sreću da mnogo putujem i upoznam fascinantna arhitektonska zdanja, lokalitete od neprocenjivog kulturnog značaja i različite kulture širom sveta. Uprkos ogromnim kulturnim razlikama, uvek sam primećivala jednu zajedničku osobinu svih ljudi: želju da stvaraju lepotu i nešto značajno što će ostaviti budućim generacijama.
Uvek sam nastojala da naučim nešto novo o ljudima i mestima koja posećujem. Ponekad bih pročitala i knjigu čija je radnja smeštena u određeno mesto, a čiji je autor iz tog kraja, kako bih ga bolje razumela iz perspektive ljudi koji u njemu žive. Putovanja su u meni probudila dubok osećaj poniznosti i svest o prolaznosti sopstvenog života. Zbog toga sam uvek nastojala da postignem što više dok sam još na ovom svetu. Svakog dana trudim se da uradim nešto korisno, makar to bio i mali korak ka ostvarenju nekog većeg cilja.
Kako izgleda Vaš tipičan dan kada niste pod svetlima reflektora? Kako volite da provodite vreme i šta Vam, izvan posla, donosi najveću radost?
Kada ne radim, volim da mi dani budu što raznovrsniji i ispunjeniji. Uživam u mirnim jutrima, uz šoljicu kafe u bašti, okružena cvećem poput bugenvilije, ruža, lavande i magnolija. Ponekad ustanem rano kako bih otišla na planinarenje ili u šetnju. Volim i da kuvam za svoju porodicu. Rado isprobavam nove recepte, čak i kada znam da mi možda neće uspeti iz prvog pokušaja. Šta god da radim, uvek nastojim da pronađem vreme za svoju porodicu i prijatelje. Svakog dana trudim se da učinim nešto korisno za njih, a upravo mi to donosi veliku sreću.
Posle više od dve decenije u industriji zabave, koji san želite sledeći da ostvarite i kakvo nasleđe biste voleli da ostavite iza sebe?
Dok nastojim da ostvarim svoje ciljeve kao model, filmska producentkinja i glumica, potpuno sam svesna da postoji opasnost da se rasplinem na previše strana. Radije bih jednu stvar uradila izuzetno dobro nego mnogo njih na osrednji način. Sećam se da sam gledala film The French Lieutenant’s Woman i da me je gluma Meril Strip dirnula do suza. Zato bih u nastavku svoje karijere želela da se što više posvetim glumi i da razvijam svoj glumački izraz do krajnjih granica.
Moj san je da dobijam uloge u filmovima u kojima ću moći da oživim likove i ostvarim duboku emocionalnu vezu s publikom. Ako iza sebe budem ostavila nekoliko filmova na koje mogu da budem ponosna, filmova koji će dirnuti gledaoce onako kako je mene dirnula Meril Strip, biću zaista srećna. Verujem da je moj film Once Upon a Time We Loved prvi korak na tom putu.
English here:
You have built a career spanning more than two decades across modeling, acting, music, film production, and entrepreneurship. Looking back, what moment truly changed the direction of your life and career?
When I first started out as a model, I always told myself that I had to work very hard to hone my skills so that I could go far in this profession. One day, I appeared on the covers of six major magazines both in Vietnam and abroad. Because of that, Playboy’s Asia Edition invited me to appear on their cover for a large sum of money. That moment could have changed my life if I had agreed, but I chose not to become famous that way. Instead, I wanted to preserve the image and culture of a Vietnamese woman in the eyes of the public and the international community. With that mindset, I pushed myself even harder. I wanted to prove to myself that I could succeed without courting controversy or notoriety. And from then on, this way of thinking has changed my life.
How has the fashion industry changed since you began, and what do you think young models today can learn from your generation?
When I first started in the industry, I felt that the process of becoming a model was much slower and laborious; it often required a great deal of self-discipline, sacrifice, and hard work. Being chosen as the face for top magazines and fashion shows was extremely difficult. It required models not only to have the necessary skills but also to maintain a clean and disciplined lifestyle. I remember staying at home on Saturday nights to try different poses in front of the mirror instead of going out.
Nowadays, modern technology and cultural trends have changed the way in which models are chosen as well as the way in which the public can more easily discover and connect with the world of fashion in general and the modeling industry in particular; the process seems to occur much faster and more “viral” these days. Despite vast changes, I believe that young models today can benefit from the same mindset of maintaining a healthy body, an optimistic spirit, and hard work.
What initially drew you to acting, and how has your experience as a model influenced the way you approach your roles on screen?
Acting appealed to me because I didn’t want to be just a beautiful face; I wanted to pursue a different art, a way to explore the various aspects of human existence through acting. Being a model for many years, I learned to bring my personality to the shoots and to infuse my being into the photos to give them soul and life, which I believe is what makes still photos beautiful.
My approach of trying to give soul and life to the still photos also informs my approach to my acting; I always strive to give soul and life to all my roles. Just like posing for a still photo, I try to understand the acting role and bring to it something unique, something spiritual that would make the acting authentic. I believe this ineffable quality is what makes a role believable, relatable, and true. In my recent film, “Once Upon a Time We Loved”, I believe I was able to bring the character to life, to portray joy and sadness in a truthful way.
How do you decide when to follow your heart and when to follow your strategic instincts?
I decide to follow my heart when the sensation from my heart is so overwhelming, so overpowering that it seems to take control of my mind and push me in that direction, when mental calculation that is telling me to do the opposite seems to be so wrong.
For example, when I became a film producer, I had the opportunity to make a horror film, or an action film, but my heart told me to make a dramatic romance, knowing full well that this genre of film would face more commercial risks. After reading the script, I made up my mind. My decision led to my current film, “Once Upon a Time We Loved,” of which I’m very proud and in which I am the producer and also the lead actress.
As the producer, I had spent two years gathering funding, signing actors and crew, prior to principal photography, which started in July 2025 and lasted continually through January 2026, spanning four locations in Vietnam-Saigon, Ha Noi, Vung Tau, and Phu Yen. Through the entire production process I faced many difficulties, some of which had brought me to tears and nearly caused me to give up, but I was able to overcome all obstacles because I felt my heart truly invested in the project, and that it was my child rather than merely a business venture. Looking back, I’m happy that I followed my heart.
You are now expanding your career into film production. What kinds of stories are you most passionate about telling, and what do you hope audiences will feel or take away from your films?
As a film producer, I must always pay attention to the bottom line and work hard to make the films commercially successful to maintain the trust of the investors as well as the actors and crew. However, whenever possible, I would love to bring to the silver screen stories that depict human frailties in the truest form, that show beauty in daily banality.
I hope the audiences will find entertainment and emotional connection to these stories, so that, whenever needed, they might return to these stories and find comfort in them. I think I have done exactly this in my film “Once Upon a Time We Loved.” The film is about an 18-year-old young man, who fell in love with a much older woman, and the tragic consequences of such passion. I hope that audiences will enjoy the film and will find a meaningful connection with it.
What have your travels around the world taught you about yourself, and how have different cultures and experiences influenced the woman you are today?
I have been extremely fortunate to have travelled extensively and experienced incredible architectural wonders, cultural heritage sites, as well as various cultures across the world. Despite the vast differences of cultures, I have always witnessed one commonality among all people, and that is the desire to create beauty and things of significance that they can leave for future generations.
I have found myself always looking to learn something new about the people and the places; sometimes I would read a book set in these places and written by a native author. My travel has left me with a profound sense of humility and a recognition of the fleeting nature of my personal life, and consequently, I have always tried to push myself to accomplish as much as I can while I’m still on earth. Every day, I try to do something useful, such as taking another small step toward a bigger plan.
What does a typical day look like for you when you’re away from the spotlight? How do you like to spend your time, and what brings you the most joy outside of work?
When I am away from work, I’d like my days to be as uneventful as possible. I love to enjoy quiet mornings with a cup of coffee in the garden amid the various flowers such as bougainvillea, roses, lavender, and magnolia. Sometimes I wake up early to go on a hike or a walk.
I love to cook for my family; I like to cook new recipes even though I’m sure they won’t turn out to be so good on the first try. But whatever I do, I always try to find some time to connect with my family and friends. Every day I try to do something useful for my family or my friends, and this makes me very happy.
After more than two decades in the entertainment industry, what is the next dream you want to pursue, and what kind of legacy would you like to leave behind?
As I strive to accomplish my goals of being a model, a film producer, and an actress, I’m fully aware that I might stretch myself too thin. I would rather do one thing great than many things unremarkably.
I remember watching “The French Lieutenant’s Woman” and being moved to tears by Meryl Streep’s performance. So for the rest of my career, I would like to develop my acting career as far as possible. My dream is to have roles in films where I can bring the characters to life and hopefully connect deeply with the audiences.
If I can leave behind a few films that I can be proud of, that can leave the audiences emotionally moved the way I was moved, then I’d be very happy. I believe that my film, “Once Upon a Time We Loved”, is a stepping stone in this direction.
Team Credits:
Talent: Quỳnh Thy @simonequynhthy
Photographer: Giuseppe Vitariello @giuseppe_vitariello
Makeup Artist: Kelvin Nguyen @kelparrynguyen
Hair stylist: Cosimo Bellomo @cosimo_bellomo
Stylist: Becca Ahern @beccaahernstyling
Videographer: Tony Tran @fashitect
Producer: GlimEye @glimeye
