Opening a new journey for Vietnamese cinema to reach new heights

Photo caption — Ho Chi Minh City has been officially recognized by UNESCO as a “Creative City of Cinema”. Photo: VNA

Investing in a complete cinema ecosystem

According to experts, Ho Chi Minh City's joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network helps Vietnam officially have an internationally recognized destination in the field of cinema, similar to famous centers such as Busan (Korea), Sydney (Australia) or Rome (Italy) - cities that have taken advantage of cinema to develop the cultural industry, tourism and commerce. Being listed also opens up the direction for the development of the film industry according to international standards, harmoniously combining creativity, technology and economy .

Mr. Nguyen Hoang Hai, Content Director of CGV Vietnam, said that the biggest opportunity this title brings is connection. By joining the UNESCO "Creative Cities of Cinema" network, Ho Chi Minh City has more opportunities for international cooperation, expanding relationships with global film funds and film studios. This helps domestic producers, directors and actors have access to more modern technology and production models.

However, to be worthy of this title, Ho Chi Minh City needs to continue investing in building a complete film ecosystem; in which infrastructure and policy are two key factors. Specifically, the City needs to have international standard studios, post-production centers, production complexes, along with preferential policies on taxes, investment support and refunds for international film crews. When the value chain from production, distribution, and audience is completed, the title "Creative City of Cinema" will truly have sustainable meaning.

From a management perspective, Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City, said that the title "Creative City of Cinema" opens up great opportunities for cooperation with creative centers around the world. This is a favorable condition for Ho Chi Minh City to increase exchanges, share experiences and promote the image of a dynamic, creative city internationally. The city is a place where diverse cultures converge, along with youthful, open energy. The current challenge is not only to maintain the title, but also to develop the creative community, expand creative spaces and build a sustainable creative culture. That is also the goal that the City, departments, branches and filmmakers are aiming for.

With advantages in human resources, market and young audiences, Ho Chi Minh City has the potential to become the “cinema gateway” of Southeast Asia, a place where creative flows converge, co-produce and distribute films internationally. This title is considered a “launch pad” to help the city’s cinema transform strongly, towards the goal of sustainable development, integrating more deeply into the global creative industry.

Viewers gathered at the National Cinema Center to enjoy excellent films at the 8th Wallonie-Bruxelles Love Film Festival. Photo: VNA

Opening the door to international integration

Along with the joy of joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Ho Chi Minh City is completing preparations to host the 24th Vietnam Film Festival (from November 21 to 25). This is the largest cinema event in the country, aiming to honor outstanding works, encourage artistic creativity and develop the Vietnamese film market.

Within the framework of this Vietnam Film Festival, many professional activities and film exchanges will be held throughout. Specifically, the Opening Ceremony took place on the morning of November 21 at the Independence Palace, opening a series of colorful events. In the following days, audiences and experts will attend seminars and workshops on developing the film industry, attracting international film crews, and promoting the value of moving image documents. In parallel, there will be exchanges between artists and audiences, students, businessmen, and workers at many locations in the City. The Festival also brings a vibrant atmosphere through art programs combining music and fashion shows in films, film screenings and meetings with film crews.

According to director Trinh Dinh Le Minh, this year's Vietnam Film Festival promises to have many different marks. Because Vietnamese cinema is entering a period of strong development with many records in revenue; increasingly rich topics and clear progress in production, technology and script. The director hopes that the Film Festival will reflect the current position of Vietnamese cinema, a cinema that not only has great potential domestically, but is also expanding opportunities to reach out to Southeast Asia and Asia.

Actress Kieu Trinh believes that this Film Festival has a special meaning as it takes place at a time when Vietnamese cinema is undergoing a strong transformation. Each film festival is not only a place to present awards but also an opportunity to look back at the silent efforts behind the lens. The festival will help audiences love Vietnamese films more and encourage filmmakers to boldly tell stories imbued with Vietnamese spirit; more opportunities for young artists to learn, exchange and find more motivation to pursue their careers.

With its new status recognized by UNESCO and hosting the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, Ho Chi Minh City is gradually affirming its central role in the country's cinema industry; a convergence of creative ideas, modern technology and a spirit of constant innovation.

From the old frames that record the imprint of Saigon - Ho Chi Minh City through each period, to the young and potential cinema projects today, the City continues to write the story of development through the language of images and emotions. This is not only a golden opportunity to break through the film industry, but also an opportunity to widely promote the image of a dynamic, integrated and creative Vietnam to international friends.

THU HUONG (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baohaiphong.vn/mo-ra-hanh-trinh-moi-de-dien-anh-viet-nam-vuon-tam-525918.html