Facing Race: A National Conference in St. Louis, MO — November 20-22, 2024

Xuan Vu

Producer/Editor |

Xuan Vu, is a documentary filmmaker whose core motivation is to give a voice to those who otherwise would not be heard. From her activist work in political documentaries about the threat to U.S. citizens' voting rights (Stealing America and Reclaiming Their Voice, by Oscar-nominated and Emmy award winner Dorothy Fadiman), to her devotion to raising awareness about the stigma of mental health in the Asian American community (Can, by Pearl J. Park), to her editorial contributions in international causes such as sustainability efforts in Haiti (Holy Crap! by Jennifer Benorden), Xuan continuously devotes her energies and skills to shedding light upon vehicles of positive change. Her more recent work in broadcast television highlights both her storytelling and more technical skills as an editor (such as PBS’s “Unladylike2020,” PBS's "America by the Numbers with Maria Hinojosa,” Showtime's "Dark Net,” and CNN’s “This is Life with Lisa Ling”). Xuan currently lives in New York City and holds a dual BA/MA degree in Documentary Filmmaking & East/West Philosophy from Boston University's University Professors Program.


Presentations from Facing Race 2020

Race Flicks Panel (Q&A)

Join filmmakers of our Race Flicks films for a Q&A session.

  • All Skinfolk Ain’t Kinfolk - Angela Tucker (Director/Producer)
  • Belly of the Beast - Erika Cohn (Director/Producer)
  • Standing Above the Clouds - Jalena Keane-Lee (Director/Producer)
  • Stateless (Apátrida) - Michèle Stephenson (Director)
  • The Passing On - Nathan Clarke (Director), Lana Garland (Producer)
  • Through the Night - Loira Limbal (Director/Producer)
  • While I Breathe I Hope - Xuan Vu (Producer/Editor)
Moderator(s): Hannah Hearn Speakers: Jalena Keane-Lee, Xuan Vu, Nathan Clarke, Lana Garland, Erika Cohn, Michèle Stephenson, Angela Tucker, Loira Limbal

While I Breathe, I Hope

What does it mean to be young, black, and a Democrat in the American South? While I Breathe, I Hope follows South Carolina politician Bakari Sellers as he runs to become the first African American candidate elected statewide in over a century. The film begins by following Sellers as he makes his 2014 bid for Lieutenant Governor, through the Charleston Shootings, and during the removal of the Confederate flag in 2015. Through his experiences, this timely film offers audiences a window into the legacy of race in politics in the United States today.

Directed/Produced by Emily Harrold; Produced by Xuan Vu, Lauren Franklin, and Diane Robertson

Speakers: Emily Harrold, Xuan Vu, Lauren Franklin, Diane Robertson