Mattie Do

Mattie Do is a prominent Laotian American filmmaker, recognized for her groundbreaking contributions to the film industry. Born in Los Angeles, California, to parents who emigrated from Laos during the tumultuous communist revolution, Do's journey in cinema began after she returned to Vientiane in 2010 with her husband to care for her retired father. Initially trained as a makeup artist, she gained experience working on various film projects across Europe and the United States before becoming a pivotal consultant for Lao Art Media, the oldest film company in Laos.

Notably, Do stands as the first and only female director of feature films in Laos and is also the country's first-ever horror film director. Her second feature, "Dearest Sister" (2016), garnered international acclaim, having been selected for the prestigious La Fabrique des Cinémas du monde program at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival. Furthermore, it made history as Laos's inaugural submission for the Best Foreign Language Film category at the 90th Academy Awards, marking a significant milestone for Laotian cinema. The film was showcased at over 20 film festivals worldwide, solidifying Do's reputation as a trailblazer in the industry. Through her work, Mattie Do continues to shine a light on Laotian culture and narratives, inspiring future generations of filmmakers.