When director Sing J. Lee set out to craft his latest film, he didn’t have to look far for inspiration. The filmmaker, known for his visually stunning and emotionally resonant storytelling, drew from the rich, vibrant world of Little Saigon, the heart of the Vietnamese diaspora in the U.S. This community, with its bustling markets, family-run restaurants, and deep cultural roots, became the soul of his new project—a film that intertwines personal identity, migration, and the enduring spirit of home.
The Emotional Core of the Film: Little Saigon’s Influence
For Lee, Little Saigon is more than just a setting—it’s a character in itself. “There’s a poetry in the way this community has kept its traditions alive while evolving in a new world,” he says. The film captures the intergenerational dynamics, the nostalgia of old-world customs, and the unbreakable bond of food, family, and storytelling that define the enclave.
Lee’s personal connection to the area played a crucial role. “It’s a place of resilience,” he shares. “There’s beauty in every detail—from the way the neon lights reflect off rain-soaked streets to the handwritten menus in family-owned pho shops.”
Key Little Saigon Spots That Shaped the Film
1. The Legendary Pho Shops 🍜
One of the film’s most evocative scenes unfolds inside a no-frills pho restaurant, inspired by iconic Little Saigon eateries like Pho 79 and Pho Kimmy. Lee wanted to capture the way these spaces serve as community hubs—where conversations flow as freely as the broth simmers.
“It’s not just about the food; it’s about the warmth, the history, and the unspoken understanding between generations.”
2. The Vibrant Night Markets 🏮
From steaming bowls of bánh xèo to the flickering glow of paper lanterns, the Little Saigon night markets provided the perfect backdrop for some of the film’s most visually striking sequences. These markets, alive with energy, symbolize both tradition and transformation—a theme that runs deep in Lee’s storytelling.
“You walk through, and it feels like stepping into a different world—one that holds onto its past while embracing the future.”
3. Family-Owned Bakeries & Coffee Shops ☕🥖
No visit to Little Saigon is complete without stopping by a Vietnamese bakery for a fresh bánh mì or a strong cà phê sữa đá. In the film, these locations serve as places of quiet reflection—where characters wrestle with their dreams while sipping sweetened condensed milk-laced coffee.
“These cafes are a microcosm of Little Saigon itself—small but full of life, history, and deeply rooted tradition.”
4. The Community Temples & Cultural Centers 🏯
Faith, memory, and longing are central themes in Lee’s film. Many scenes take place in Buddhist temples and community centers, where characters seek guidance from elders and honor the traditions of their homeland. These places serve as emotional anchors, representing both loss and continuity.
“There’s a certain stillness in these spaces. They hold generations of prayers, whispered hopes, and a deep sense of belonging.”
Beyond Nostalgia: A Love Letter to the Diaspora
For Lee, this film is more than just a visual tribute—it’s a love letter to the Vietnamese diaspora and the universal experience of seeking home.
“There’s something deeply moving about how Little Saigon has preserved its identity despite the ever-changing landscape around it,” he reflects. “It’s a story of survival, of finding beauty in both memory and reinvention.”
With this new project, Sing J. Lee not only captures the essence of Little Saigon but also invites audiences into a world rich with history, heart, and the enduring spirit of a people who carry home with them—wherever they go.
💬 Which Little Saigon spots hold special meaning for you? Share your favorite memories below!