They Call Me the Tattoo Witch
Hanoi-based tattoo artist Tran Ngoc has a special talent for helping others make peace with difficult pasts—she is a master in masking scars with tattoos. For many, scars bear living memories, a constant reminder of hurt and trauma. They Call Me the Tattoo Witch, a short documentary by director Lindsay Nyman, examines the story of Tran Ngoc’s career and how she uses her artistry to help women in Vietnam and around the world reinterpret marks of the past.
The documentary shows how Ngoc tailors her inkwork to the unique characteristics of her clients’ scars. Rather than projecting ready-made designs onto the skin, she allows the scar to guide her work. Her approach is deeply empathetic—many of her clients are breast cancer survivors, mothers, or individuals with injuries from self-harm. Ngoc’s expertise lies in helping others reinterpret their pain. Flowers and plants, some of Ngoc’s signature motifs, symbolize rebirth, change, and continuity. By transforming scars into art, Ngoc helps her clients regain confidence in themselves and begin the process of healing old wounds. Just as art allows us to reexamine the past, Ngoc’s tattoos help her clients recontextualize their experiences.
Nyman connected with Ngoc following her nomination to the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia List. The two began planning the documentary soon after, with the goal of working with an all-women production crew recruited locally. This aligns with Nyman’s broader effort to uplift women’s unique stories of social impact.
The film also addresses social challenges Ngoc has faced as a female tattoo artist. In Vietnam, tattoos remain stigmatized, and female artists working on scars are especially rare. Early in her career, Ngoc encountered disparaging attitudes and discrimination. However, as tattoos become more widely accepted in Vietnam, these perceptions are slowly softening. Amid these changes, Ngoc has grown confident in her craft and no longer feels she needs to prove herself, standing as a leader in her field.
A central theme of the documentary is the reciprocal nature of creating change. In an interview, Nyman recounts how filming allowed Ngoc to reconnect with past clients and hear how her work transformed their lives. This process deeply moved Ngoc, reaffirming the value of her work despite past criticism. Nyman takes care to show us how Ngoc and her clients have developed a special connection, woven together through inklines.
When discussing future projects, Nyman hopes this documentary will be one of many in a series highlighting extraordinary women and their contributions. She founded Leading Woman Films to organize future productions that celebrate outstanding women in their fields.
They Call Me the Tattoo Witch premieres at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival on April 27th and will also be available to stream online from May 1–11 at Cascadiafilmfest.org.
The Vote
In The Vote, two siblings Robbie and Jessica are faced with a pressing decision while their mother, Victoria, is hospitalized. Jessica, the eldest, is carrying the burden of responsibility for the family while keeping her own life afloat. Robbie is dealing with the crisis in his own way, clinging to hope that everything will turn out for the best in due time. When the family gathers to discuss their options, tensions flare and emotions run high.
Chicana-Korean American filmmaker Sylvia Ray draws from her own experiences with loss to craft a poignant portrayal of a family in crisis. The film explores how families grieve in different ways and navigate situations with no clear answers. With no living will to guide them, Victoria’s loved ones are left to interpret her wishes while coming to terms with their own hopes and sorrows.
Ray also incorporates wider social commentary into the film. At one point, a family member remarks, “It’s expensive to be sick in America,” highlighting the broader crisis of inaccessible healthcare in the United States. In a short runtime, Ray skillfully weaves these themes together with an ensemble cast.
One of Ray’s challenges was capturing the tension of a family confrontation involving multiple actors. With a short run-time, it was important to keep dialogue-driven scenes sharp and propulsive. To achieve this, she drew inspiration from contemporary and classical TV dramas. Her background as an editor also proved invaluable, allowing her to sculpt the film’s final cut with an eye for rhythm and impact.
Edgar de Santiago delivers a nuanced performance as Robbie, building on his previous collaborations with Ray to bring authentic depth to the role. Opposite him, Lisette Medina’s portrayal of Jessica contributes to a powerful chemistry and dynamic. The production gained additional strength through Ray’s participation as a 2024 Inclusion Fellow with the Latino Film Institute, which provided valuable mentorship and creative support.
The Vote will resonate with anyone who has experienced family loss and the weight of regret and unmade amends. For Ray, this deeply personal story served as both creative expression and catharsis.
The Vote premieres at the Cascadia International Women’s Film Festival on April 27th and will be available to stream online from May 1–11 at Cascadiafilmfest.org.
