Veteran director Le Mong Hoang, who rose to fame in the 1960s and 1970s, passed away on Thursday at his home in HCM City after a long illness due to heart disease. He was 88.

Hoang was born in 1929 in Phu Vang District in the central province of Thua Thien – Hue.

During his childhood, he took part in music and theatrical performances at Hue Radio Station.

He graduated from the National Academy of Music in Paris in 1953, and continued his study in cinematography.

After graduation, he returned to Viet Nam and made his first movie Street Life in 1957. It was based on author Vo Dinh Cuong’s novel Pieces of Gravel, depicting life of street children in HCM City.

During his career, Hoàng directed more than 20 films with themes of history, war and love, such as Please Don’t Leave Me, Memorial Evening, and Strength of Money.

His works produced after 1975 include Bulwark of Fire, My Love, and House of Gross Injustice.

His prominent work was You in 1970, which won top prize at the 17th Asian Film Festival in Taiwan. The film, based on the novel with the same name by Bui Hoang Thu, tells the life of an orphan played by famous actress Tham Thuy Hang.

Many actors, including Hang, Ly Hung, Diem Huong and Le Tuan Anh, who appeared in his films became movie stars.

Hoàng also taught students at film schools in the city.

The funeral is being held at Vinh Nghiem Pagoda until February 28. 

VNS