Ho Chi Minh City officially receives the title 'City of Cinema' from UNESCO

TP.HCM chính thức đón nhận danh hiệu 'Thành phố điện ảnh' từ UNESCO- Ảnh 1. — Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong and Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Tran The Thuan (from right to left) attended the opening ceremony of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival on the evening of November 21.

The opening ceremony of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival and the ceremony to receive the UNESCO title: Ho Chi Minh City - Global Creative City of Cinema took place on the evening of November 21 at the Thong Nhat Hall (Ho Chi Minh City). The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister Mai Van Chinh, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Head of the Steering Committee of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival Ta Quang Dong, leaders of central, local and Ho Chi Minh City departments, ministries, branches...

Speaking at the ceremony to receive the certificate of recognition as a Global Creative City of Cinema from UNESCO, Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc said that this noble title is not a destination but a start that places greater and more noble responsibilities on the city's shoulders.

According to Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc: "We are deeply aware that joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network means that the city must join hands with global members to promote sustainable development, based on culture and creativity. The 24th Vietnam Film Festival is a great opportunity for Ho Chi Minh City to demonstrate that strong commitment. Through the festival's activities, we hope to affirm our position as the country's cinema center and an active and responsible member of the Global Creative Cities Network."

TP.HCM chính thức đón nhận danh hiệu 'Thành phố điện ảnh' từ UNESCO- Ảnh 2. — Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Nguyen Van Duoc, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee Tran Thi Dieu Thuy and Chief Representative of UNESCO Office in Vietnam - Jonathan Baker (from left to right)

The Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that in order to fulfill the above commitment, the city will focus on implementing initiatives such as: creating cinema in schools; projects demonstrating the commitment to a fair society where everyone has the opportunity to access and enjoy art; forming creative spaces to create a connecting environment, organizing activities to honor the art of cinema; organizing Asian cinema forum networks...

"These initiatives are not only promises but also concrete actions of Ho Chi Minh City, affirming the city's continuous efforts to develop the country's film industry. I believe that with the consensus of the entire political system and the response of the community, our city will succeed in building a film industry that is not only rich in artistry but also imbued with humanity," Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc emphasized.

Catalyst for cultural vitality and international exchange

TP.HCM chính thức đón nhận danh hiệu 'Thành phố điện ảnh' từ UNESCO- Ảnh 3. — Mr. Ta Quang Dong spoke at the opening ceremony

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong acknowledged that UNESCO's official recognition of Ho Chi Minh City as a global creative city of cinema (a title under the UNESCO Creative Cities Network) is not only the pride of Ho Chi Minh City, but also the pride of Vietnam.

He commented: "This title recognizes Ho Chi Minh City's continuous efforts in developing the cultural industry, promoting artistic creativity, investing in infrastructure and film production environment, and affirms the city's great potential in becoming a regional cinema center. This is also a strong driving force for the city to promote international cooperation, attract film projects, and nurture generations of enthusiastic young filmmakers."

TP.HCM chính thức đón nhận danh hiệu 'Thành phố điện ảnh' từ UNESCO- Ảnh 4. — Mr. Nguyen Van Duoc - Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, representing Ho Chi Minh City to receive the title of UNESCO Creative City of Cinema

Meanwhile, Mr. Jonathan Baker - Chief Representative of UNESCO Office in Vietnam, shared that he was honored to represent UNESCO to announce that Ho Chi Minh City was officially recognized as a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of cinema. He said that this title is not only the result of an excellent profile, but also a testament to the city's strong commitment to putting creativity at the center of its sustainable development strategy, as well as recognizing culture as an essential pillar for the future of a dynamic city.

Mr. Jonathan Baker said: "The 24th Vietnam Film Festival taking place in Ho Chi Minh City this week, along with today's announcement ceremony, is a vivid testament to the strong creative momentum and development of Ho Chi Minh City. The event not only honors the rich beauty of Vietnamese cinema but also opens up a space for meaningful dialogue and cooperation with international partners. The series of diverse cultural activities within the framework of the Film Festival has portrayed the image of a dynamic, youthful and hospitable Ho Chi Minh City, an identity that is in natural harmony with the spirit of the Creative Cities Network."

He also said that UNESCO wishes to accompany Ho Chi Minh City, continue to cooperate closely with the city's leaders, the film community and all partners who have contributed to this achievement. "Together, we can make this title a catalyst for cultural vitality, international exchange and long-term development," he said.

TP.HCM chính thức đón nhận danh hiệu 'Thành phố điện ảnh' từ UNESCO- Ảnh 5. — Mr. Soulier Eric Gabriel Michel presented the handbook to the leaders of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City.

In addition to the ceremony to receive the title of Creative City of Cinema, the event on the evening of November 21 also witnessed the moment when Mr. Soulier Eric Gabriel Michel - Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Activities, Embassy of France in Vietnam, presented the handbook Ho Chi Minh City - Film Production Destination to Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Ho Chi Minh City Tran The Thuan. This is a gift from France to Ho Chi Minh City to promote the city's image, spreading cultural and creative values to tourists and international friends.

TP.HCM chính thức đón nhận danh hiệu 'Thành phố điện ảnh' từ UNESCO- Ảnh 6. — The opening ceremony of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival gathered nearly 1,200 Vietnamese artists and actors, and treated the audience to elaborately staged art performances.

The 24th Vietnam Film Festival takes place from November 21 to 25 with a series of rich activities: from film screenings, exchanges with artists, career discussions to experiential programs, exhibitions and events for cinema lovers.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/tphcm-chinh-thuc-don-nhan-danh-hieu-thanh-pho-dien-anh-tu-unesco-185251121234717395.htm