Cinetour: Opportunity to interact with Vietnamese film audiences

Cinetour interacting with audiences at the theater is an indispensable activity to promote films. Photo: DPCC

Unlike formal press conferences or premieres, cinetours reach the audience at the front line - those who directly decide the "survival" of a film in the market. This is an opportunity for the film crew to close the distance with the audience through activities such as: signing autographs, taking photos, sharing behind the scenes, interacting after the screening...

Increasingly systematic strategy

In recent years, Vietnamese filmmakers have begun to more clearly recognize the role of direct communication and audience interaction in determining the commercial success of a film. Since then, cinetours are no longer an “add-on” activity but have become a part of a systematic communication strategy in the film release plan.

Among them, it can be seen that the Southern film market, especially Ho Chi Minh City and neighboring provinces and cities such as Binh Duong , Dong Nai, Can Tho, etc., is the place where cinetours take place most vibrantly. The reason is because this is a densely populated area with many modern cinemas.

This trend is gradually spreading to the North, Central and especially the West, when filmmakers realize that the audience potential in these areas is huge, while direct access opportunities are still limited. Going further and wider is a clear demonstration of the desire to bring Vietnamese films closer to all classes of the public.

With the strong development of social networks, each cinetour is also a multi-channel media event, creating a fast and strong spread. Behind-the-scenes clips, interaction moments, audience reactions, etc. are all widely shared, helping the film spread naturally and effectively.

One of the pioneers and most persistent and professional cinetourists is Ly Hai - director and producer of the hit series Lat mat. Not only stopping at major premieres, Ly Hai and his crew regularly travel from the South to the North, both the Central and the West, stopping by dozens of cinemas to meet the audience, explaining the story behind each frame, each detail, thereby creating a sense of closeness and respect for the audience.

Similarly, Tran Thanh is also one of the active faces in cinetour activities. With a large fan base and the ability to connect with the crowd, Tran Thanh has turned each cinetour into a bustling event, attracting hundreds of audiences to the theater not only to watch the movie but also to meet their idols in real life.

Even directors and filmmakers of films about revolutionary war, which are considered “selective” to audiences, have recently actively responded to cinetours. For example, recently when the film Tunnels: Sun in the Dark was released, the film crew took the trouble to go on cinetours to meet, exchange, and answer questions that audiences were still wondering about when watching the film.

Revenue Leverage

One of the biggest strengths of cinetour is its ability to significantly increase box office revenue. The direct interaction of artists at the theater has created a strong word-of-mouth effect, thereby attracting more audiences to the next screenings. Many theaters have recorded an increase of 15-30% in ticket sales during cinetour days, especially in big cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi , Da Nang, Can Tho...

In addition, cinetour also helps films maintain their popularity after the first week of release - a time when revenue often declines if there is no suitable promotion strategy. Cinetour has become a unique advantage of Vietnamese films, exploiting the affection and closeness between artists and audiences.

From a business perspective, cinetours are an important revenue boost. Cinetours often come with check-in activities, ticket giveaways, gift giveaways, interactions, photo shoots, live streams, etc., which have contributed to stirring up the theater atmosphere, making the film more talked about on social networks. Especially during the theatrical release period, the “vital” time to decide the success or failure of a film, cinetours are an effective catalyst to maintain the audience’s attention.

Not only that, cinetour also helps the film reach many audiences in many different provinces and cities. Instead of focusing only on big cities, cinetour brings cinema closer to audiences in all regions - a strategy that is both humane and smart. This can be clearly seen when there are many audiences gathered at cinema complexes in Binh Phuoc , Tay Ninh, Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, Dong Thap, Ca Mau... when the film crews of The Four Guardians, Lat Mat or Detective Kien come to interact and meet the characters coming out of the screen.

A less talked about but very important aspect is the emotional value that cinetours bring. For many audiences, meeting the people behind their favorite films in person is a memorable experience. This not only increases their attachment to the film but also helps the audience feel more deeply the message that the work conveys.

Cinetours are also an opportunity for artists to “correct mistakes” when their films receive mixed reactions. In some cases, the film crew directly listens to feedback, explains and accepts suggestions from viewers. This is something that is difficult to achieve through traditional media channels alone.

Cinetour is not only a form of promotion, but has become an important link in the value chain of professional filmmaking in Vietnam. When audiences have more and more choices, attracting them to the cinema, keeping them there and making them share is an art. With the spirit of making films not only for showing but also for communicating, sharing and understanding, Vietnamese filmmakers are opening a new and promising direction for Vietnamese cinema from cinetuor.

Minh Ngoc

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/dong-nai-cuoi-tuan/202505/cinetour-co-hoi-giao-luu-voi-khan-gia-cua-phim-viet-6f11d7c/