Connecting tourism and world cinema: What opportunities for the Vietnamese market?

Outlining a comprehensive picture of the destination's potential with unique and novel filming locations, as well as a vibrant and growing film market with many opportunities for production and distribution cooperation, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism recently organized a workshop on "Vietnam - Dynamic Asian Market and New Destination for International Film Crews" within the framework of the Vietnam Tourism Promotion Program in France.

“In addition to its vibrant film market and industry, Vietnam also offers unique values ​​as a novel and inspiring filmmaking destination. We believe that Vietnam can meet and exceed those expectations,” said Nguyen Trung Khanh, Director of the National Tourism Administration.

Potential of Vietnam as a “cinematic destination”

Director Nguyen Trung Khanh believes that Vietnam is a destination that can offer an extremely diverse "background library", meeting all creative needs with its majestic, pristine beauty for adventure, action, and fantasy films.

Indeed, Vietnam is not only beautiful in landscape but also rich in culture and people, a fertile land for unique stories with 54 ethnic groups living together creating a diverse cultural picture of customs, festivals, cuisine , costumes, architecture... Vietnamese people, with their optimism, hospitality and rich souls, are always at the center of profound humane stories.

In addition to the setting, the important point is the ability to accommodate and support international film crews. The Director said that Vietnam is making constant efforts on this journey with infrastructure such as the air and road transport system being increasingly upgraded, conveniently connecting major destinations, and a diverse accommodation system...

The film "I see yellow flowers on green grass" has contributed to promoting the image of Phu Yen , attracting a large number of tourists to this locality. (Photo: Film crew)

Regarding local human resources, Vietnam has a young, dynamic, enthusiastic and well-trained filmmaking team in many positions such as assistant director, cameraman, lighting, art designer, production manager, on-site interpreter... Cooperating with local personnel not only helps optimize costs but also brings deep understanding of culture, language and effective working methods in the locality.

In addition, compared to many countries in the region and the world, production costs in Vietnam are still considered competitive, from labor costs, services, accommodation, travel... This allows producers to optimize their budgets, devoting more resources to the creative quality of the film.

In particular, the Director emphasized that the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and local authorities are actively reforming administrative procedures every day to facilitate quick and convenient licensing for filming activities. At the same time, they are ready to support site surveys, connect with domestic service partners, and coordinate to ensure security and safety for the film crew throughout the production process in Vietnam.

“We are researching and will soon issue specific incentive policies to further attract international film projects,” the Director affirmed.

The film "Mat Biec" with romantic filming scenes mainly in Hue, Quang Nam. (Photo: Film crew)

In fact, the legal framework and policies supporting cinema development, with notable positive changes in the recently revised Cinema Law, have demonstrated the Vietnamese Government's strong commitment to creating an increasingly favorable filmmaking environment for domestic and international filmmakers.

Strategy to connect tourism and cinema

Experts from the S-shaped strip of land have clarified the potential and attractiveness of Vietnam's vast and unique natural film studios. Films introducing the setting, analysis of the Production Attraction Index (PAI) of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Cinema Development, the positive impact of international films on local tourism, the future tourism-cinema connection strategy, and especially public-private partnership models with specific incentives in localities have also shown Vietnam's readiness and strong commitment.

Regarding the PAI Index, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association and former Director of the Cinema Department, told reporters of VietnamPlus Electronic Newspaper that from a practical perspective, the Association has carefully researched and received support from many experts, including experts working on major American projects, to come up with this index to attract international film crews.

According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, this index has 5 criteria. First, how do localities provide financial support? Second, what information support? Third, how is field support? Fourth, what is legal support? Fifth, how is local infrastructure? The new index was launched in 2023 and has had a specific effect.

Director of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh introduced the destination potential and special contexts of Vietnam at the event. (Photo: National Administration of Tourism)

Director Nguyen Trung Khanh said that Vietnam tourism is on the path of recovery and strong development, aiming for higher goals in quality, sustainability and international competitiveness. In that vision, cinema is identified as not only the seventh art, but also the most effective communication channel to promote the image of the country, people and culture of Vietnam, thereby attracting high-quality tourists and enhancing the brand of Vietnam Tourism.

Therefore, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism is and will focus on implementing the Strategy for connecting Tourism and Cinema in the future with key orientations: Creating a favorable legal corridor and policy environment; Enhancing the capacity of the ecosystem to support film production and tourism product development; Strengthening public-private partnership and international cooperation; Promoting and promoting the integration of Tourism - Cinema.

In particular, specialized promotional campaigns will be deployed, focusing on the global film industry, especially in key markets such as Hollywood and prestigious international film festivals such as Cannes. According to the Director, promotional programs such as the Vietnam Tourism - Cinema Promotion Program in the United States (September 2024) will be held more frequently and on a larger scale.

In the coming time, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism will soon research, develop and provide a complete, updated and easily accessible set of information and data on potential contexts, film production support service capacity, preferential policies and procedures in Vietnam so that international filmmakers have enough information when making decisions.

Thai Culture Minister Sudawan Wangsuphakijkosol visits the Vietnamese pavilion at the Cannes International Film Festival. (Photo: National Tourism Administration)

With a well-planned strategy and determination from the Government, the joint efforts of ministries, sectors, localities, businesses and the cooperation of international filmmakers, the connection between tourism and cinema is expected to create a synergistic force, bringing benefits to all parties, contributing to making Vietnam a bright spot on the global tourism and cinema map.

“Vietnam’s doors are always open to welcome you to explore, experience and join us in creating unique cinematic works, contributing to enriching the world cinema map and bringing the image of Vietnam closer to the global public,” the Director expressed./.

(Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/ket-noi-du-lich-va-dien-anh-the-gioi-co-hoi-nao-cho-thi-truong-viet-nam-post1038622.vnp