Grandma’s Four Color Cards

Equal part documentary and scripted, in her tiny house in District 4, Saigon, 101-year-old Ngoai survives through quiet resilience. Every evening, she hosts an illegal card game, a traditional Vietnamese pastime, to earn enough to survive the next day. With her loyal cat by her side and the support of neighbors, Ngoai navigates the challenges of aging and poverty. The card games are more than just a way to make ends meet, and they bring laughter, warmth, and a sense of connection to her life. Though the slums weigh heavily on her, Ngoai’s strength and the care of her community help her live with dignity, making her a beloved figure in their world.

Sally Tran (she/they) is a NYC–based writer and director from Vietnam and New Zealand whose work explores identity, belonging, and cross-cultural narratives. Her short documentary BORN TO KILL, LOVE MONEY SIN premiered at Tribeca 2026 and is supported by Tribeca, BRIC Arts, and ITVS. Her previous work includes DON’T (TIFF 2024, screened at 30+ festivals, multiple awards). She is currently in post-production on LOVE CYCLE, funded by NALIP and Netflix, shot in Saigon.

Main Cast: Le thi Lieng

Producer: Ngân Lê, Kiều Vy

Writer: Sally Tran

Producers: Ngân Lê, Kiều Vy

Cinematographer: Gary Bardizbanian

Editor: Ben Jones

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