Speaking at the film’s premiere in Ho Chi Minh City on March 25, the 26-year-old beauty queen said she encountered negative comments after the trailer was released. Some viewers remarked that her character appeared less glamorous than in her previous roles, exposing perceived facial imperfections.

In the film, An plays a young woman who shares her name and lives in a church in central Vietnam during the 1990s. At the request of director Le Thien Vien, she wore no makeup in most scenes to maintain a natural, realistic look.

She recalled an instance when the director asked her to remove even lightly drawn eyebrows on set, instructing the makeup team to further pale her lips to better match the character’s appearance. After watching the film on the big screen, she said she felt her efforts had paid off.

An said she was drawn to the script, which centers on a romance between a Catholic girl and a non-religious man. She to the story, noting that multiple generations in her family follow Catholicism and that she has witnessed relationships strained by religious differences.

To prepare for the role, she underwent an extensive pre-production process, including a visit to Lang Song Minor Seminary in Gia Lai Province, the film’s main setting. There, she observed daily routines, joined prayers, and interacted with nuns and children to build a backstory for her character.

“Hen Em Ngay Nhat Thuc” is scheduled to open in domestic theaters on April 3.

Director Vien said he developed the project over three years, drawing inspiration from Catholic communities in central Vietnam. He emphasized that the film is not about religion, but uses that setting to portray a microcosm of society.

“It’s a place where people live sincerely despite challenges,” he said. “It’s a story about faith, love, and the lingering struggles of youth.”

An represented Vietnam at the Miss Grand International 2022 pageant, where she placed in the top 20 and won the Best National Costume award. She has since been active in community projects, fashion shows, and reality television.

She made her film debut in 2024.