Rising Star Lang Khê Tran’s Grand Tour 2b5h4i

Lang Khê Tran: Thank you very much, I am thrilled about this selection this year. At the moment, I'm unable to disclose any information about the film as the director, Miguel Gomes, wishes for discretion from the entire crew. I'm looking forward to when you can see the film; it promises to be quite beautiful. 

NM: How was it working with director Miguel Gomes?

LKT: It was a unique experience. I received three pages of script in Portuguese while in Paris, just three days before the casting. I didn't even know how to say "hello" in Portuguese at the time. The casting went well, and I went through a second round of casting later before being selected for the role. Being on set is already intense, but shooting in a foreign language with a team that doesn't speak your language adds another layer of complexity. Despite that, everything went smoothly, and I absolutely loved the experience. Miguel is an talented director, I believe I can disclose that much because it's not a secret. Crista, the lead actress, was very helpful to me, and I felt very comfortable acting alongside her.

NM: This is your second time starring in a film in the Cannes Film Festival. Why is this festival so special?

LKT: Since always, I promised myself I'd only attend the Cannes Film Festival if I had a film or project to present. For me, it was out of the question to merely come as a tourist. I was thrilled to fulfill that promise with my first film, Les Confins du Monde, selected in the Directors' Fortnight, in which I had the lead female role alongside Gaspard Ulliel, Gérard Depardieu, and Guillaume Gouix. This time is even more special because the film Grand Tour is selected in the Official Competition. Additionally, I went with my parents last year for my father's film, "The Taste of Things" that won the Best Director Award. Returning to Cannes only fueled my desire to attend this year with my own project. 

NM: How have your parents (the talented director and artist Anh Hùng Tran and YênKhê Tran)  guided you in your acting journey? What is the best advice have they given you?

LKT: They haven't given me specific advice, but growing up around film sets has naturally instilled in me a sense of the camera and an understanding of how a set operates. I participated in my father's film directing workshop last year, where I learned a great deal, both in front of and behind the camera. My mother once told me that the most challenging aspect on camera isn't speaking, but listening. During the workshop, I particularly resonated with a phrase from my father: "In the process of creation, don't try to be strong-minded. You must give yourself permission to be vulnerable and fragile, to let things through you, to see what they want to tell us and make our choices: what I discard or what I keep for my art." 

NM: What advice would you give to a young actress or actor to succeed in this business?

LKT: It's essential to be professional. That's very important to me. You have to submit every casting self-tape you receive, even if you only have two days to learn it, even if it's in a foreign language, even if you have to film it in an airport, or ask your neighbor or your cat to read lines with you. Don't get discouraged by a negative response; instead, focus on the next casting with the same energy. I learned a Portuguese casting in just two days while working as a model for Maison Margiela. During every break, I was trying to learn the lines. People around me were speaking Italian, which didn't make it easy, but in the end, I got the role. Always believe in yourself!

NM: You are a model/brand ambassador for Lancôme. Can you tell us about this collaboration?

LKT: I've been working with my Parisian agency, Metropolitan Models Group, for three years alongside my acting career. I recently did a campaign for Lancôme's Teint Idole foundation and also for their lipstick line. It's been a very interesting experience too.

NM: Do you have any new projects on the horizon?

LKT: I can't be specific at the moment, but I hope to share exciting news with you soon! Thank you for having me for this interview, and I'm looking forward to May to share Grand Tour with everyone.