Vietnamese cinema and cross-border handshakes

In 2025, a number of Vietnamese cinema works co-produced with Korea and Thailand attracted audiences when released in theaters.

The Vietnamese film market has recently become vibrant as many domestic and collaborative works have been continuously released in theaters, along with annual film festivals in Germany, Italy, and most recently the Hong Kong (China) Film Gala held for the first time in Ho Chi Minh City.

Cultural Connection

Vietnamese cinema is considered to have great potential for international cooperation because it is developing well and has a large young audience. The talented and skilled actors are also an advantage in attracting international filmmakers to cooperate and expand the market.

The Hong Kong Film Gala took place from November 6 to 8 at the Galaxy Thiso Mall Sala cinema complex, Ho Chi Minh City. The event was organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy in collaboration with the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office (China) in Singapore, with sponsorship from the Hong Kong Creative and Cultural Development Council (China), the Hong Kong Film Development Fund (China) and the accompaniment of Trigger Academy - a partner in Vietnam.

The gala also invited two movie stars, Louis Koo and Sammo Hung, to Ho Chi Minh City to interact with the audience. Dr. Wang Yingwei, President of the Asian Film Awards Academy and Chairman of the Hong Kong Film Development Board (China), said that Vietnam was chosen as the next destination in the series of gala events in major Asian cities, after Dubai, Bangkok and Jakarta.

The gala's goal is to introduce the latest films and a new generation of Hong Kong filmmakers, so that the image of Hong Kong cinema in the eyes of Vietnamese audiences does not stop at the 1990s.

Opening of the Hong Kong (China) Cinema Gala in Ho Chi Minh City on November 6. (Photo provided by the organizers)

"One of the important goals of this trip is to seek cooperation opportunities between the two film industries. I hope that there will be more Hong Kong films filmed in Vietnam and that there will be co-productions in the future" - Dr. Vuong Anh Vi expressed.

This gala is considered the beginning, the organizers are waiting for the reaction from the audience and experts to decide whether to organize it as an annual event or not. Producer and actor Louis Koo informed that he has had meetings with Vietnamese directors and actors to find cooperation opportunities. Actor Sammo Hung revealed: "I and many producers, directors, and actors have filmed in countries in the Southeast Asian region, but not in Vietnam. Hopefully after this gala, we will soon have the opportunity to cooperate."

Previously, two annual film festivals, the German Film Festival and the Italian Film Festival, were held in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, respectively. These festivals have helped promote cultural connections, strengthen diplomatic relations, and stimulate potential for cooperation between the two sides. "Cinema is also a form of diplomacy, building bridges, sparking dialogue and allowing cultures to meet beyond the limits of language," emphasized Ms. Alessandra Tognonato, Consul General of Italy in Ho Chi Minh City.

Many positive signals

Recently, films co-produced with Korea and Thailand such as "Take Me Away" by director Mo Hong-jin, "Ghost Bride" by director Lee Thongkham, "Your Hand Holds a Star" by director Kim Sung-hoon have attracted quite a large audience when released in theaters. Of which, the film "Take Me Away" has earned more than 171 billion VND.

Recently, the movie "Hero" co-produced by K Film, V Pictures and Beach House Pictures (part of Fremantle, headquartered in Singapore) has officially started filming in Vietnam. The movie, starring Thai Hoa, tells the story of a father who, in order to impress his daughter, staged a heroic act to save people. However, he unexpectedly became the center of attention of the whole country and faced both funny and sad troubles.

According to insiders, the Korean and Thai film markets are showing signs of slowing down, while Vietnamese cinema will develop strongly in the near future. This assessment is true as many Korean and Thai producers have decided to come to Vietnam to invest and cooperate in making films. "Of course, for a film project to be successful, many other objective and subjective factors are needed, but international investment and cooperation in cinema are showing many positive signs" - director, Meritorious Artist Vu Thanh Vinh acknowledged.

In addition to the vibrant and potential market, Vietnamese cinema also has a force of skilled actors participating in international cooperation projects, contributing to increasing the unique appeal of Vietnamese cinema. Director Mo Hong-jin once praised actor Tuan Tran, through the film "Mang me di bo". Actress Rima Thanh Vy also received compliments from her Thai co-star in the film "Co dau ma" and Hoang Ha received much affection from her Korean co-star.

"The current generation of young Vietnamese actors are very studious, dare to take risks and are not afraid of difficulties. I believe that with seriousness and mutual support, we will affirm the position of Vietnamese cinema in the international arena" - actor Lien Binh Phat said.

According to Lao Dong

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/dien-anh-viet-va-nhung-cai-bat-tay-xuyen-bien-gioi-a466850.html