Cinema opens the way for tourism

Kien Trung Palace was chosen as the main setting for the movie The Last Empress. Photo: VAN THANG

Da Nang Film Studio

In recent years, a series of films have chosen Da Nang as the main setting. Typically, the film Yeu em bat dung left an impression thanks to the romantic scenery at Dragon Bridge and My Khe Beach. The Hollywood action film The Protégé (Vietnamese title: Female Assassin, produced in 2021) brought the image of the international airport and the sparkling night scene of Da Nang City to the international screen. The Vietnamese-Indian co-production Love in Vietnam (Love at First Sight, 2025) premiered on July 1, also once again affirming the new stature of Da Nang on the Asian cinema map.

With 75% of the film's duration filmed in Vietnam, with Da Nang chosen as the main setting, the film takes viewers to the brilliant My Khe beach, the idyllic landscape of Son Tra peninsula, the luxurious beauty of the infinity pool in Furama Resort, or the open space at Ariyana International Convention Palace.

According to Mr. Cao Tri Dung, interim Chairman of the Da Nang Tourism Association, these scenes not only highlight the beauty of Da Nang, but also help international audiences feel more deeply about the culture, people and spirit of the coastal city. Cinema is currently a powerful tool for promoting tourism , because the difference and emotional connection are increasingly the key to retaining tourists. This film is a meaningful step to bring the image of Da Nang closer to the Indian tourist market.

This July, the film Nha Minh Thoi Di officially started filming in Da Nang, with scenes spanning from Nam O fishing village, Ghenh Bang, Hoa Bac to Hoi An ancient town. This is a project by director Tran Dinh Hien, a native of Da Nang, who wants to introduce the image of his hometown as a "big film set" that converges rivers - mountains - sea - craft villages - ancient town. "Choosing Da Nang to film this film is not only because of my love for my hometown, but above all, Da Nang is very beautiful, diverse and full of cultural soul...", director Tran Dinh Hien shared.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoi An, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Da Nang City, identified that promoting culture and tourism through cinema will be the key direction. The city is promoting connections between film studios, while focusing on preserving cultural heritage to promote its role as a "living film studio" - a place where natural landscapes, unique architecture and the depth of local culture converge. Many recent film projects with the message "Bringing Vietnamese stories to the world" not only spread love and Vietnamese identity, but also demonstrate the inspiring exchange between Vietnamese and international cinema.

Touch the depth of Hue

If Da Nang represents modern, youthful beauty, Hue is marked by cultural depth and ancient tranquility. For a long time, the ancient capital has become an endless source of inspiration for directors thanks to its historical relic system, Asian-style architecture and charming scenery. It is impossible not to mention the resounding success of Mat Biec (2019) - a romantic film filmed in Hue. Scenes filmed in Bao Vinh ancient town, Model High School, and the lonely tree of Quang Phu... touched the hearts of the audience, turning these places into famous check-in spots. The film earned more than 180 billion VND, proving the attraction of the connection between cinema and tourism.

The Last Queen project, inspired by the life of Queen Nam Phuong, has been carefully prepared and is expected to premiere in 2026, with most of the filming time at the Hue Monuments Complex, of which Kien Trung Palace will be the central setting. The Hue City People's Committee is committed to creating all conditions for the film crew to best exploit the heritage sites, while researchers and historical experts are also ready to accompany as professional consultants.

Mr. Nguyen Van Phuc, Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs of Hue City, affirmed that Hue has great advantages thanks to its rich cultural and natural resources and a team of prestigious scholars. These are ideal conditions to attract film crews, while exploiting tourism in the direction of deep cultural experiences. It is important that all parties, from producers to tourism businesses, need to coordinate closely to form tourism products associated with film studios, thereby creating sustainable economic value.

XUAN QUYNH - VAN THANG

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/dien-anh-mo-loi-cho-du-lich-post804663.html