Although it hasn’t achieved the box office success it aimed for, “What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!” sparks a thought-provoking narrative about embracing opportunities, pursuing passions, and daring to dream and act.
“Every dream requires a leap of faith. If you don’t take the step, you’ll never know your limits.”
Q: Starting as an underground rapper, what motivated you to take on the lead role of Âu in the film “What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!”?
Honestly, the role of Âu came to me quite naturally. When I read the script, I saw the character as a “different version” of myself: stubborn, passionate, and someone who’s strayed but never given up. I felt this opportunity was like a special “track” life handed me, and missing it would be a regret. Rap taught me to be honest with the audience, and I wanted to bring that energy to the screen.
Q: In the role of Âu, what parallels did you find between the character’s journey and your own pursuit of passion?
Âu not only faces skepticism from others but also battles self-doubt. The feeling of “I’ve failed so many times, I probably won’t succeed” is something I deeply understand, as I’ve experienced it in my rap career, even to the point of almost giving up. In the film, Âu is fortunate to have Uncle Hải by his side, encouraging and even pushing him to step out of his comfort zone and compete in rap to live true to his passion. This support helps Âu stand up again. I strongly relate to this, as in real life, I’ve also relied on encouragement and trust from friends and mentors to keep going. It reminds me that sometimes, faith is reignited by others, and what matters is daring to take that step forward.
Q: As a first-time lead actor alongside a veteran like NSND Thanh Nam, how did you manage the pressure to deliver a strong performance?
I faced a lot of pressure, especially standing beside someone as experienced as Uncle Thanh Nam. However, he always created a relaxed atmosphere on set. He often reminded me to “live as the character” rather than overacting. Through this, I learned to open up and feel the character instead of performing rigidly.
Through my journey with “What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!”, I’ve gained confidence and grown as an actor. More importantly, I’ve learned to listen and understand human emotions better, building a foundation for my artistic path ahead.
A.Tới (as Âu) and NSND Thanh Nam (as Uncle Hải) at the premiere of “What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!”
Q: What was the most memorable moment for you during the filming process?
I’ll never forget the rooftop scene where Âu and Uncle Hải (NSND Thanh Nam) share a drink and talk about life. During filming, Uncle looked at me and said, “Living aimlessly, drifting wherever life takes you. When will you pursue your dreams?” That line wasn’t just for Âu; it felt like he was speaking directly to A.Tới in real life. It left me speechless for a moment because there were times I let life pass by, waiting for the “right moment” without knowing when it would come. That scene ended, but the emotion lingered long after.
Q: From your perspective and experiences, what message would you share with young people who are hesitant or doubtful about their passions?
I want to say that every dream requires a leap of faith. If you don’t take the step, you’ll never know your limits. Don’t let life drift aimlessly. If you’ve ever had a dream that kept you up at night, that made your heart race just thinking about it, don’t bury it out of fear of failure. Failure hurts, but the greatest pain is letting your dream lie dormant and living as if it never existed. Âu’s story reminds me clearly that the real fear isn’t failing to dream, but never daring to dream at all. So, if you’re hesitating, take this as a reminder: Don’t wait any longer, dream on!
She-Kings: Investing Faith in Vietnamese Cinema
“What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!” marks Janet Ngo (She-Kings)’s debut as a producer and investor. Instead of chasing market trends, She-Kings focuses on emotionally rich projects that inspire positivity and nurture new talent.
Cast and guests at the premiere of “What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!”
This isn’t just about funding a film; it’s She-Kings’ way of investing in the soft power of culture. From giving a first-time director a chance to betting on a rapper’s debut as a lead actor, She-Kings pursues a deep, sustainable investment strategy with long-term value. The goal isn’t immediate numbers but creating works that resonate with the right audience at the right time, leaving a lasting impact.
Though “What Are You Waiting For, Dream On!” hasn’t met expectations, it holds special significance: daring to trust, daring to try, and daring to nurture dreams. This spirit adds a fresh and hopeful flavor to Vietnamese cinema’s future.