"A Vietnamese refugee barely escapes war torn Vietnam after the fall of Saigon and embarks on a life-long journey to find her father. Her amazing story is one of hope and survival."

SYNOPSIS:

It happened with “The Killing Fields,” it happened with “Schindler’s List,” and it happened with “Unbroken.” The historical impact these films had set minds in motion and motivated people to learn many truths about these human atrocities and the brave souls who emerged therefrom. But there was another piece of our history that has yet to be revealed to a mass audience.After the fall of Saigon on April 30, 1975, another war had begun--a 21-year war that ended around 1996. During this time, a mass exodus, a diaspora, where over one million people fled Vietnam to escape the communist persecution and mistreatment with the hopes of finding happiness and freedom abroad. Tragically, 30 percent never made it off foreboding waters of the South China Sea, or the disease-ridden refugee camps in various countries. For those who did make it to the camps, there was no guarantee they would be reunited with loved ones or find sponsorship abroad.

“Breakaway Heart” is based on true events and is a culmination of moments from many of my own refugee friends and colleagues and my research over the past 15 years. It’s the story of a determined girl, My Le Nguyen, and her harrowing journey from Vietnam to the United States and her lifelong search for her father. It’s a poignant look at her life over a span of thirty years as she survives, rape, torture, work farms and life in the camps before finally making it to the States, only to be confronted with more difficulties here. This is a hidden piece of our history that finds its relevance today because we still face similar refugee struggles. These stories need to be told.

BREAKAWAY HEART