Ho Chi Minh City officially becomes the first creative cinema city in Southeast Asia.

UNESCO welcomes 58 cities to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), of which Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam is the city of cinema.

After nearly 8 months since the application was submitted, Ho Chi Minh City was officially announced by UNESCO as the first cinema city in Southeast Asia.

On World Cities Day 2025, the UNESCO Creative Cities Network welcomed 58 new members. According to UNESCO's website, Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, appointed the 58 cities.

Ho Chi Minh City joins UNESCO Creative Cities Network

"UNESCO Creative Cities demonstrate that culture and creative industries can be concrete drivers of development. By welcoming 58 new cities, we are strengthening a network of creative places that support local initiatives, attract investment and promote social cohesion," said Audrey Azoulay.

Tom Cross - Vietnamese-origin film editor of Whiplash and La La Land - returns to Vietnam to attend the 2024 Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF 2024) - Photo: Organizing Committee

These cities are recognized for their commitment to fostering innovation, driving sustainable urban development, and demonstrated expertise in building resilient and vibrant communities.

In this list, Ho Chi Minh City is recognized as a cinema city.

In Southeast Asia, there is also Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia) as a design city, Malang (Indonesia) as a digital art city.

In addition, the list of 58 cities also includes Cheongju of South Korea, Kyiv (Ukraine), Kisumu (Kenya), São Paulo (Brazil, also a film city)...

Since the network was established in 2004, UNESCO Creative Cities has actively promoted people-centered urban governance and lifestyles, offering its citizens a diverse range of cultural and creative activities.

The Creative Cities 2025 group has been making an important contribution to the network's mission, marking the beginning of a long-term commitment.

On March 3, Ho Chi Minh City submitted its application to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), with consultation and support from domestic and international experts. Ms. Maud Boissac - Cultural Office of Cannes City, France - said that Cannes City supports Ho Chi Minh City's application.

“This support builds on the strong elements that make your city a key player in the global audiovisual and cinema sector,” said Ms. Boissac.

Source: https://ttbc-hcm.gov.vn/tphcm-chinh-thuc-la-thanh-pho-sang-tao-dien-anh-dau-tien-cua-dong-nam-a-1019890.html