Binh Yen, Come Home!
Year: 2023
Produced by: Cây Nhỏ / The Nomads
Type: Short Documentary Film
Director: Nguyễn Hoàng Việt
Producer: Lam Hà
DOP: Hào Phùng, Trí Nguyễn
Editor: Hào Phùng, Trí Nguyễn
Overview
Binh Yen, Come Home! is a short, cinematic-style documentary. It marked the first collaboration between Cây Nhỏ, the Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Center, and Four Paws Vietnam, as well as the debut project of The Nomads documentary team.
The film captures the patience and compassion of the caregivers at the center, who dedicate themselves to healing bears that were once abused and kept for bile extraction. Over time, they have built deep bonds, helping each other rediscover safety and calm.
Client / Partner
Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Center
Four Paws Vietnam
Role of Cây Nhỏ
Goals & Challenges
The project aimed to raise awareness about wildlife welfare and conservation in Vietnam, especially for bears that had suffered from exploitation.
The film has been shown at educational and awareness events to discourage the use and trade of bear-related products. It received positive feedback, particularly from young audiences, who represent the next generation of wildlife advocates.
Creative Idea & Direction
The title “Binh Yen, Come Home!” was inspired by the familiar call the caregivers make every afternoon. Their warm, gentle voices have become a sign of safety for the bears after many years of harm.
This feeling shaped the film’s creative direction, which focuses on the natural connection between people, animals, and nature, a bond you don’t need to explain, because you can understand it just by watching.
Production Process
The film was shot over one month in Ninh Binh, featuring scenes from the rescue center and Cuc Phuong forest.
Because bears are extremely sensitive, especially those with past trauma, the crew had to be patient and careful. We avoided perfumes and fabric softeners and spent time around the bears every day so they could get used to our scent before filming.
This patient and empathetic approach became the foundation for how The Nomads work with all documentary subjects. We believe that a story can only be told truthfully once a real connection has been made.
Final Outcome
The film captures daily life at the rescue center and the bond between people, animals, and nature.
Today, the film continues to be part of the visitor experience at the Ninh Binh Bear Rescue Center. It is screened at the start of each tour to help visitors get to know the bears by name and understand their stories before meeting them in person.
Through the film, audiences gain a deeper understanding of the pain the bears once endured and are encouraged to show more empathy and care during their visit.
Awards & Recognition
2023: Binh Yen, Come Home! became the first environmental documentary from Vietnam in 15 years to be officially selected for the World Science Film Festival.
Press Coverage:
Lessons & Reflections
This project reminded me that what turns a subject into a story is sincerity. When sincerity is present, everything flows naturally.
That understanding has shaped how I now approach branded storytelling, balancing emotion and purpose to create films that not only represent the brand truthfully but also move people in a real and lasting way.
Other Projects
