CLOSING NIGHT WITH THE EMPATHIZER
& COMEDY SHOWCASE

JUNE 8, 2025 | 7:00PM-10PM | DOUBLETREE BY HILTON | TICKETED EVENT

THE EMPATHIZER (June 8, 2025)

DOCUMENTARY | ENGLISH & VIETNAMESE | 59 MINS

Join us for a powerful, emotional, and hilarious closing night experience featuring the screening of the acclaimed documentary The Empathizer, followed by the laugh-out-loud comedy showcase “Embarrassed By Night” — headlined by the film’s very own director, Fred Le.

Synopsis:
Directed by Fred Le and co-directed by Bret Hamilton, The Empathizer is a raw, deeply personal documentary that explores the emotional complexities of the Vietnamese diaspora. Fred Le returns to Vietnam to uncover why his mother, a war refugee, has never set foot back in her homeland.

Shot over two weeks in Saigon and Hanoi, the 59-minute film captures candid conversations with over 20 millennial-aged Việt Kiều (overseas-born Vietnamese) who have made the reverse journey to Vietnam. Through artists, entrepreneurs, athletes, and everyday expats, the film explores the often-unspoken tensions between generations, identity, and the trauma of war and displacement.

  • Date: June 8, 2025

  • Time: 7PM - 10PM

  • Location: DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

COMEDY SHOWCASE “Embarrassed By Night”

FEATURING FRED LE AND FRIENDS

Stick around after the screening for a special meet and greet with director Fred Le, who will share behind-the-scenes insights and personal reflections on the making of The Empathizer. This is a rare opportunity to connect directly with a storyteller whose work is reshaping conversations around identity, memory, and healing.

Fred Le
Director & Producer

Fred Le
Stand Up Comedian

As if that weren’t enough, get ready to laugh your heart out at our Comedy Showcase “Embarrassed By Night”, immediately following the film. Featuring Fred Le and a lineup of hilarious Vietnamese American comedians, this show brings the festival full circle — from tears to belly laughs.

Expect bold, relatable stories and sharp takes on everything from culture clash to childhood trauma, dating, diaspora, and everything in between.

  • Fred Le

    Fred Le is a Vietnamese American filmmaker, comedian, and storyteller whose work bridges the worlds of diaspora identity, humor, and cultural introspection. A graduate of the Film & Digital Media program at UC Santa Cruz, Fred began his career as the original host of Vietnam A-Z, a travel and culture show produced by VTV International in Vietnam. His time overseas inspired much of his creative lens — one rooted in curiosity, vulnerability, and the complex relationship between Vietnamese refugees and their homeland. His documentary The Empathizer (2024), co-directed with Bret Hamilton, explores generational trauma and identity through the stories of millennial Việt Kiều (overseas-born Vietnamese) returning to modern-day Vietnam. The film has resonated widely with audiences across Vietnamese diaspora communities and beyond.

    In addition to his work in film, Fred is an active stand-up comedian who has performed at prestigious venues and festivals including San Francisco Sketchfest, Treefort Music Fest, and Boom Chicago in Amsterdam. In 2022, he co-created the hit all-Vietnamese comedy showcase Embarrassed By Night, which highlights raw, hilarious, and often emotional stories from the Vietnamese American experience. Whether behind the camera or on the mic, Fred continues to push boundaries and uplift diasporic narratives — using humor, honesty, and heart as his guiding tools.

    Instagram @fredle
    https://www.empathizerdoc.com/home

  • Embarassed By Night Comedy Showcase

    DoubleTree by Hilton, 10609 Westpark Dr, Houston, TX 77042

    Embarrassed By Night is a vibrant comedy and musical variety show that joyfully celebrates Vietnamese American culture while embracing the beautiful awkwardness of diaspora identity. Founded in 2022 by LA-based stand-up comedians Fred Le and Andy Van, the show pays playful tribute to Paris by Night — the legendary Vietnamese variety show series whose VHS tapes were a staple in nearly every Vietnamese immigrant household during the '90s. Equal parts homage and reinvention, Embarrassed By Night blends stand-up, live music, storytelling, and heartfelt cultural reflection into an unforgettable night of laughs and connection.

    Since its debut, EBN has carved out a loyal following, performing to sold-out crowds in intimate backyards, bustling clubs, and premier stages — including two standout appearances at San Francisco Sketchfest. With each iteration, the show continues to evolve and expand, welcoming a dynamic lineup of Vietnamese and Asian American performers from across the creative spectrum. This year, Embarrassed By Night returns to Los Angeles with a special pan-AAPI showcase in celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Follow @embarrassedbynight on Instagram for updates, announcements, and behind-the-scenes peeks into one of the freshest, funniest shows on the AAPI comedy scene.

    Instagram @embarrassedbynight