Impressive journey of Vietnamese cinema at the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival

The program to promote Vietnamese cinema's participation in the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival (TIFF) in 2025, chaired by the Vietnam Film Promotion Association (VFDA) in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, was a great success with a series of impressive activities.

With activities such as the Workshop “Vietnam on screen: Regional voice - Global reach”, Gala Vietnam Night and cinema promotion booth and filming locations in Vietnam, VFDA has affirmed its role as a bridge between Vietnamese and regional cinema, while opening up opportunities for cooperation in production, distribution and attracting international film crews to Vietnam.

Vietnamese voice reaches global level

On the afternoon of October 30, within the framework of TIFF 2025, VFDA coordinated with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan to organize the workshop "Vietnam on screen: Regional voice - Global reach".

Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan and Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA. (Source: VFDA)

Attending the workshop were Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, Ambassador of Vietnam to Japan; Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA, Director of Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF); Ms. Seiko Noda, Member of the House of Representatives, President of the Parliamentary Alliance for the Promotion of Japanese Cinema; Mr. Tadashi Maeda, Chairman of the Board of Directors of JBIC Bank; leaders of the provinces: Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City; Mr. Nguyen Hong Duong, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Committee of Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee; Ms. Giang Thi Hoa, Vice Chairman of the People's Council of Dien Bien Province; Ms. Tran Thi Hoang Mai, Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Hai Phong City; Ms. Ly Phuong Duong, Vice President of VFDA and film experts, producers, representatives of major film studios in Japan, and Vietnamese filmmakers such as director Bui Thac Chuyen, producer Luong Cong Hieu (General Director of Galaxy Entertainment and Education Company, Member of the Standing Committee of VFDA), producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, Member of the Executive Committee of VFDA, and international representatives such as: Ms. Kaori Ikeda, Executive Director of TIFFCOM (UniJapan), Ms. Megumi Kose from Fukuoka Film Commission...

Overview of the workshop "Vietnam on screen: Regional voice - Global reach". (Source: Organizing Committee)

The two discussion sessions “Cinema without Borders: Vietnam in the Asian and Global Context” and “Filming in Vietnam: Potential and Practice” provided many insights and pointed out that the key to development is cooperation.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA and Director of DANAFF, emphasized that the conference is a forum for discussion on how to connect Vietnamese cinema with Asian cinema, especially East Asia and Southeast Asia. Thanks to its special geographical location, at the intersection of the two regions, and its diverse cultural reception, Vietnamese cinema is increasingly asserting its role as a bridge, spreading and creating a deeper influence in the Asian cinema community.

Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA, spoke at the conference, emphasizing that this is a forum for discussion on how to connect Vietnamese cinema with Asian cinema. (Source: Organizing Committee)

According to the Chairman of VFDA, although starting later than many countries in the region, Vietnamese cinema is on a strong rise, and recovering firmly after the Covid-19 pandemic. Box office revenue of Vietnamese films has continuously reached impressive milestones in recent years, Vietnam is the first, and currently the only, film market in Asia to surpass pre-Covid-19 pandemic revenue. The market share of Vietnamese films has reached 44% in 2024 compared to 25% of the US film market share.

"VFDA is attending the 38th TIFF, with a much larger scale and more diverse activities than in 2019 and 2022. Through a series of film promotion activities at TIFF, VFDA hopes to continue promoting Vietnamese cinema in key international markets and film festivals," Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan emphasized.

The conference provided a comprehensive picture of the development of Vietnamese cinema. Speakers highlighted the positive changes in the domestic film production environment and viewed cooperation as an essential key to reaching out to the world .

Producer Yulia Evina Bhara (Indonesia) participated in a discussion session at the conference. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Producer Yulia Evina Bhara (Indonesia), who co-produced Vietnam's Don't Cry Butterfly , affirmed: "The future of Asian cinema lies in cooperation. Not just for finance or support funds, but for the creative spirit and the ability to spread films in the region." Ms. Megumi Kose, Executive Director of the Fukuoka Film Commission, shared Fukuoka's experience and opened up future cooperation directions between the Fukuoka Film Commission and VFDA for mutual development.

Ms. Seiko Noda, President of the Japanese Parliamentary Alliance for the Promotion of Cinema, member of the House of Representatives. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Speaking at the workshop, Ms. Seiko Noda, Chairwoman of the Japanese Parliamentary Alliance for the Promotion of Cinema, a member of the House of Representatives, expressed her hope that film exchange activities between the two countries will contribute to strengthening friendship and enhancing understanding of the history and culture of the two peoples. At the same time, it will open up opportunities for cooperation in producing films with global influence.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen at the discussion session. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Director Bui Thac Chuyen, whose film The Tunnels is participating in TIFF this year, believes that participating in international film festivals is just the first step. The longer-term goal is to bring the film to international audiences, and this is a story of developing the national brand. He believes that when Vietnam has a greater economic and cultural presence abroad, then Vietnamese films will truly go international.

Producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc shared at the event. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc commented: The number of films produced in Southeast Asia has increased significantly. This is the result of cooperation between countries in the region, with Japan and Europe. Realizing that, the Project Incubator (Workshop & Project Market) - DANAFF Talents, within the framework of DANAFF, was born, becoming a place to support young Asian filmmakers to connect and cooperate between countries, thereby promoting the regional cinema ecosystem.

Positive improvements from the filmmaking environment in Vietnam

Also at the conference, from a domestic perspective, speakers shared about three major changes in the film production environment in Vietnam: Administrative procedures have been shortened thanks to the "one-stop-shop" mechanism in many localities; the government actively supports film crews, waiving or reducing costs at historical sites and scenic spots; Digital infrastructure has developed strongly, with 5G coverage, providing a cultural and tourism data warehouse to serve production.

Ms. Ly Phuong Dung, Vice President of VFDA, former Deputy Director of the Department of Cinema and producer Luong Cong Hieu, General Director of Galaxy Entertainment and Education Joint Stock Company. (Source: BTC)

Sharing from a practical perspective, producer Luong Cong Hieu said that film production in Vietnam has been much more favorable in the past 5 years. Mr. Hieu emphasized "3 factors that created this huge change": filming permits directly supported by the government; good support policies, film crews of 100-200 people when coming to the locality are often free to enter tourist areas, relics, conservation areas... and are given detailed instructions on regulations to complete the best film; finally, the government supports security and order during filming, free of charge.

From the perspective of state management, Ms. Ly Phuong Dung, Vice President of VFDA, former Deputy Director of the Cinema Department, shared that policies for cinema development are coming into practice, in line with the world's development trends. Production cooperation between Vietnamese and foreign film organizations no longer requires a license. Foreign organizations and individuals who want to come to Vietnam to film and use scenes in Vietnam can proactively register and submit their applications directly on the convenient online public service portal.

Ms. Dung pointed out that Vietnam's limitations are that it currently does not refund taxes to foreign film producers and does not have a national studio that meets international standards in terms of technical facilities for filmmakers.

Mr. Nguyen Hong Duong, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, shared policies to attract film crews of his province. (Source: Organizing Committee)

From a local perspective, Mr. Nguyen Hong Duong, Head of the Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Department of Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee, said that the province is pioneering the “online one-stop shop” mechanism for film crews and is ready to send a single contact to support all procedures for film crews. Quang Ninh commits to supporting free or reduced costs at locations managed by the state, introducing service infrastructure at the lowest cost.

Regarding digital infrastructure, the province has covered the entire 5G network, internet and is ready to share digital data warehouses on culture, tourism and images. Meanwhile, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City, affirmed the goal of building DANAFF into "a bridge of Asian cinema", promoting the entire value chain of the film industry. Da Nang wishes to cooperate internationally with cities such as Fukuoka and Tokyo to exchange experts, co-organize film screenings, and learn from organizational experiences. Also according to Ms. Thi, in the near future, Da Nang City will build a cinema center with a film studio and has assigned the Department of Culture and Sports to develop a plan.

Canadian film producer expressed his wish to have the opportunity to make films in Vietnam in the near future. (Source: Organizing Committee)

In particular, at the open discussion session, many international producers and experts expressed their desire to cooperate with Vietnam in the near future. A Canadian film producer shared his hope of having the opportunity to make films in Vietnam in the near future.

Meanwhile, Japanese anime filmmakers have raised many questions about human resources, post-production infrastructure and the possibility of cooperation in animation production in Vietnam, showing clear interest in the technical and creative capabilities of young Vietnamese filmmakers.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the conference. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Concluding the conference, Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu emphasized: “Cinema is not only an art but also a soft power of each country. Linking film festival activities with cooperation forums like today contributes to promoting tourism, investment and cultural exchange between the people of Vietnam and Japan.”

Vietnam night full of connection

On the same evening, Vietnam Night - a cultural exchange night of Vietnamese cinema in Tokyo took place in a warm and solemn atmosphere. The event was organized by VFDA in coordination with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, as part of VFDA's activities at the 38th TIFF.

Delegates attending Vietnam Night. (Source: Organizing Committee)

On the Vietnamese side, there were Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu; Vietnamese Consul General in Osaka Ngo Trinh Ha; Deputy General Director of Vietnam Television Do Thanh Hai. On the international side, there were Mr. Hiroyasu Ando, ​​President of the Tokyo International Film Festival; Ms. Yuko Obuchi, President of the Japan-Vietnam Parliamentary Friendship Alliance; Mr. Tetsuya Bessho, President of the Tokyo Short Film Festival; Mr. Trevor Fernandes, Vice President of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPA); Mr. Stephen Jenner, Vice President of MPA Communications in the Asia-Pacific Region, and many international diplomats.

From left to right: President of Tokyo International Film Festival; President of Tokyo Short Film Festival and President of VFDA talking at Vietnam Night. (Source: Organizing Committee)

The event attracted more than 350 international guests, senior leaders, representatives of Vietnamese and Japanese cultural and cinema agencies, film producers, directors, actors, businessmen, investors...

Vietnam Night is an opportunity for Vietnamese and Japanese filmmakers to seek opportunities for cooperation in film production.

In a friendly atmosphere, the program becomes a bridge for cultural exchange between Vietnam and Japan, expanding the environment for contact and cooperation between producers, directors and artists of the two countries, aiming for co-production projects and attracting filming locations in Vietnam.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA, emphasized that Vietnam Night is not only a night to honor cinema but also demonstrates the aspiration of Vietnamese cinema to reach international standards. VFDA has been striving to build a favorable environment for film cooperation through initiatives such as the PAI Index and DANAFF; at the same time, it sent an invitation to international friends to Da Nang City to attend DANAFF IV, scheduled to be held from June 28 to July 4, 2026.

Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan speaks. (Source: Organizing Committee)

The Chairman of VFDA expressed his deep gratitude to friends, partners and diplomatic agencies who have always accompanied VFDA in the journey of promoting Vietnamese cinema to the world. Having gone through many difficult stages, from the early days of establishment to the journey of construction and development, VFDA has made continuous efforts and achieved many remarkable results from the domestic and international filmmaking community.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu speaks at Vietnam Night. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu said that Vietnam Night has become a valuable forum for filmmakers and those working in the film industry of the two countries to share experiences, exchange ideas and promote cooperation in the film industry, reflecting the vision and efforts of VFDA in promoting Vietnamese cinema to the world.

The Ambassador hopes to continue receiving attention, support and cooperation from Japanese agencies, organizations, businesses and friends to jointly promote cooperation in the film industry, contributing to the common development of the creative industries of the two countries.

Ms. Obuchi Yuko, President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, spoke at the program. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Ms. Obuchi Yuko, President of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentary Alliance, congratulated Vietnam Night and emphasized that the development of political and economic relations is important, but it is also necessary to focus on cultural exchanges between the two peoples through cinema, helping the two nations understand and love each other more. She hopes that the event is an important opportunity to promote co-production of films between Vietnam and Japan as well as attract international film crews to film in Vietnam.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen, actress Diem Hang Lamoon (Tunnel) and the crew of the film project "1982" by director Nguyen Hoang Diep were also present at VietNam Night. "Tunnel" was selected for the "World Focus" category - one of the important categories of TIFF, which is an opportunity for the film to reach Japanese audiences and international delegates. The film project "1982" was selected to participate in the Tokyo Gap - Financing Market (TGFM) of TIFFCOM 2025.

Director Nguyen Hoang Diep shared: “Witnessing the spectacular development of VFDA in Tokyo this year, I understand that the persistent efforts of professionals have paid off. This is even more meaningful when I hear international friends talk about the strong explosion of Vietnamese cinema.”

Performance by singer - actress Hoang Yen Chibi at Vietnam Night. (Source: Organizing Committee)

At the event, the audience enjoyed art exchange performances imbued with Vietnamese-Japanese cultural colors, such as the demonstration of the white face makeup process typical of the Japanese film "National Treasure" (Kokuhō) and the performance of singer-actress Hoang Yen Chibi with two songs "Dropped Kiss" and "See You". Those moments of interaction created emotional highlights, clearly demonstrating the spirit of cultural connection between the two cinemas of Vietnam and Japan.

Japanese press agencies reported on VFDA's activities at TIFFCOM 2025. (Source: Organizing Committee)

TBS Japan Television, Yahoo News... many Japanese press agencies attended Vietnam Night and reported on the event. Japanese press positively evaluated Vietnamese cinema, TBS Japan Television acknowledged: "In recent years, the film industry in Vietnam has been developing strongly, typically the organization of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival - DANAFF".

Vietnamese booth shines in Japan

From October 29-31, at the Ikebukuro Exhibition Center, VFDA coordinated with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan and the localities of Da Nang, Quang Ninh, Son La, Dien Bien, and Hai Phong to organize an exhibition to promote Vietnamese cinema and filming locations.

TIFFCOM 2025 has 322 exhibition booths, including dozens of booths of prestigious film organizations such as Korean Film Council (KOFIC, Korea), Tokyo Film Commission (Japan), Warner Bros Pictures (USA), Thailand Film Office (Thailand)... During the exhibition, the Vietnamese booth attracted hundreds of international visitors, including many Japanese and international film activists and film producers to visit and seek cooperation opportunities.

Vietnamese delegation at TIFFCOM Film and Television Fair. (Source: Organizing Committee)

Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan shared: “This is the first time Vietnam has been present with an independent promotional space at an A-class film festival, opening a new step in making Vietnam a destination for film producers in Asia and around the world. The active support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan has strongly contributed to building the image of Vietnamese cinema, which is introduced in a professional and official manner but still imbued with its own identity.”

Overview of booths at TIFFCOM. (Source: Organizing Committee)

The Vietnamese booth also introduced the PAI film crew attraction index, along with images of unique filming locations such as Son Tra Peninsula, My Khe Beach (Da Nang), Ha Long Bay, Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong), Moc Chau, Ta Xua (Son La), Muong Thanh, Pa Khoang (Dien Bien). Not only attracting professionals, the booth also became a proud meeting place for the Vietnamese community in Japan.

Mr. Bui Hong Nghi, an overseas Vietnamese in Tokyo, shared: “I am very proud to see Vietnam appear brilliantly at a major international film event, with beautiful and modern images. Cinema is a great way to introduce our country to the world.”

Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan introduced to international guests about the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) and filming locations in Vietnam. (Source: Organizing Committee)

VFDA's series of activities at the Tokyo International Film Festival 2025, from thematic seminars, Vietnam Night, to promotional booths, have created a comprehensive promotional journey for Vietnamese cinema. The three activities have three different nuances but share the same spirit: Cinema is a cultural bridge, a soft power that brings the image of Vietnam closer to the world.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/hanh-trinh-an-tuong-cua-dien-anh-viet-nam-tai-lien-hoa-phim-quoc-te-tokyo-lan-thu-38-333068.html