GARDEN GROVE, Calif. — Our Lady at the Center is more than a retelling of history; it is a cinematic testament to the enduring power of faith. Produced with the ambition of bringing the story of Our Lady of La Vang to a global audience, the feature-length documentary captures the deep devotion of the Vietnamese Catholic community both in Vietnam and abroad.
The film’s narrative begins in La Vang, a remote region in Quang Tri Province, Vietnam. According to Catholic tradition, the Virgin Mary appeared there in 1798 during a period of fierce religious persecution. Amidst the dense forest, facing fear and death, the apparition provided a source of solace and healing for the faithful. Over the centuries, this devotion has grown, becoming an integral pillar of Vietnamese Catholic identity.
Transcending historical recounting, Our Lady at the Center shifts its focus to the United States and the construction of the Shrine of Our Lady of La Vang at Christ Cathedral in Garden Grove, California. As one of the most significant shrines dedicated to the Virgin Mary outside of Vietnam, the structure stands as a symbol of unity and contribution by the overseas Vietnamese community. The documentary portrays the shrine as a sacred intersection where traditional faith meets the modern world.
The project was spearheaded by the OLLV Foundation and led by its founder and executive producer, Dr. Elysabeth Nguyen. She currently serves as the CEO of the OLLV Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to building sacred spaces. Her leadership extends deep into the community; she serves on numerous boards, including the St. Joseph Health Foundation and the UC Santa Barbara Business School. The production spanned over two years, with filming across four countries and in multiple languages—a testament to the filmmakers’ goal of reaching international audiences beyond cultural or religious boundaries.
Directed by Bradley Zint of the Diocese of Orange communications department, the film features the work of producer Scott Q. Nguyen and director of photography Christopher TL Tran. This collaboration between professional filmmakers and devout community members resulted in a work that is visually striking and spiritually resonant.
Through the lens of Our Lady at the Center, audiences witness the candid testimonies of parishioners, religious leaders, and the builders of the shrine. The narrative eschews ostentation, focusing instead on the humility and sacrifice of a community rich in faith. It highlights how small contributions and quiet dedication culminated in a monumental sacred landmark.
Reflecting on the production hurdles, Dr. Nguyen noted the spiritual weight of the project.
“When we do holy work, obstacles often arise. The process of making this film faced many difficulties, but we had to do it,” Dr. Nguyen said. “We did it so people would understand how much our Vietnamese community loves Our Lady of La Vang. Truly, our parishioners are not wealthy, yet they were able to build such a magnificent shrine. It is all thanks to grace.”
Our Lady at the Center premiered in May 2025 at the Freed Theater on the Christ Cathedral campus. Following its debut, the film was screened at various venues across Southern California, garnering significant community engagement. It recently won “Best Documentary Feature” at the Los Angeles International Film Festival. Also, it made it into the finals at the New York Film Festival and the Cannes Marché du Film in France, validating its artistic merit on a global stage.
Beyond cinematic accolades, the film has made a tangible social impact. Dr. Nguyen was honored with a Certificate of Recognition by Westminster Mayor Chi Charlie Nguyen, acknowledging the project’s positive contribution to the community. The recognition underscores the film’s role not just within the Church, but as a cultural asset in the diverse tapestry of the United States.
Ultimately, Our Lady at the Center positions Our Lady of La Vang not merely as a Vietnamese icon, but as a universal figure of hope and healing. By placing her story at the forefront, the documentary offers an anchor for those navigating a volatile world, carrying a message of faith that reaches further and deeper into the heart of the community.