Child of Dust

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“We call ourselves the ‘Children of Dust.’ The dust that settled after the war.”

2025_DOCUMENTARY_FILM

Sang is one of the 300,000 children left alone after the Vietnam War.

Half a century after the Vietnam War, 300,000 Amerasian children, known as “children of dust,” remain forsaken and marginalized due to their mixed heritage. Their lives are defined by a relentless search for identity and belonging, often spanning continents in the hope of reconnecting with their fathers. For many, including Sang, this journey involves taking DNA tests alongside others who share their plight—individuals left culturally unmoored in a society where having no father equates to having no identity.

“Child of Dust” is a character-driven, observational documentary that draws the audience into an emotional journey filled with twists and raw moments. With unique access and a respectful lens, the film portrays the intergenerational trauma of the Vietnam War through a perspective often overlooked. 

Observational scenes capture Sang’s interactions with his family and environment, allowing viewers to form their own interpretations. Instead of traditional interviews, voice-over fragments resembling prayers or streams of consciousness provide intimate glimpses into his thoughts.

In Vietnamese culture, having a recognized father figure is essential for respect and belonging.

Sound design and music play a key role in immersing the audience. Swedish composer Joaquin Garcia draws inspiration from Vietnamese lullabies sung by Sang, blending them with ambient sounds from the film’s locations. Each setting—Vietnam’s vibrant streets, and Florida’s serene beaches—is brought to life through authentic, on-the-spot recordings.

The idea for “Child of Dust” emerged during my time in Ho Chi Minh City, where I was working on a different documentary. Grappling with my own questions of identity and belonging, I encountered the Amerasians—individuals whose struggles resonated deeply with me.

Their decades-long search for identity mirrored my own experiences of feeling different, being bullied, and searching for belonging across cultures. This personal connection, combined with my background in filmmaking and anthropology, inspired me to tell their story.

Trust built with our Vietnamese co-producer since 2018 allowed us unique access to document Sang’s emotional journey—a story of ups, downs, and cultural divides that transcend borders, making it a film that speaks to audiences worldwide.