Young director leverages AI to revive traditional arts
Passionate about both cinema and emerging technology, young director Pham Vinh Khuong is making waves with his innovative approach to integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the arts.
His latest music video (MV), Cheo Mo Lai Ra, a modern interpretation of an ancient Cheo (Vietnamese traditional opera) melody released for the Lunar New Year, utilises AI to recreate historical and cultural imagery, offering viewers a fresh and engaging perspective on this centuries-old Vietnamese art form.
Born in 1992 in Ho Chi Minh City, Khuong has dedicated himself to blending technology with artistic expression. Prior to Cheo Mo Lai Ra, he gained recognition for projects like Buc Tranh Dai Viet (The Painting of Great Vietnam), which celebrates Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage, and Mat Bao (Eye of the Storm), an AI-driven music video dedicated to flood-affected communities. His latest release, Pink Cat Dance, is a fully AI-generated 3D animated MV.
According to Khuong, AI is transforming filmmaking by streamlining scriptwriting, sound design, and post-production. While AI tools eliminate the need for traditional filming and editing, creators must master the art of precise instruction, what he humorously calls "learning to write essays for AI", to bring their artistic visions to life.
By harnessing AI, Khuong has optimised production efficiency, cutting costs and time while maintaining high-quality visuals. However, his mission goes beyond technology. Passionate about cultural preservation, he seeks to modernise Cheo singing and make it more accessible, particularly to younger audiences.
The AI-powered MV not only restores historical visuals but also incorporates rare military archival footage related to Cheo, weaving historical narratives into its storytelling. Notably, AI has also enabled a seamless fusion of traditional Cheo music with epic orchestral elements, creating a dynamic and immersive listening experience.
With Cheo Mo Lai Ra and other AI-driven projects, Pham Vinh Khuong is pioneering a new path in cultural preservation: bringing traditional Vietnamese arts closer to contemporary audiences while showcasing the creative potential of emerging technologies.
Future of Vietnamese traditional arts
VOV.VN - “Future of Tradition” is a project founded by a group of young artists who wish to preserve and sustainably promote Vietnam’s traditional values.
