Critically recognised but little-known outside of Vietnam, Việt Linh crafts allegorical films about the history and changing social situations of her country. Often drawing inspiration from literature, Việt Linh treats the fate of her characters in a sensitive and realistic manner. A student at the prestigious National Cinematography School in Moscow during the 1980s, Việt Linh draws from Soviet cinema and the work of Italian neo-realist filmmakers and Federico Fellini. Graduating in 1985, she began working for the state-owned Giai Phong Film Studio in Ho Chi Minh City and has completed seven features since 1986.