"Take a shovel and go digging."

The Vietnam Film Department (Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism) has recently sent a document to film production, distribution, and exhibition establishments, requesting them to balance and diversify themes and genres. The Film Department emphasized the need to limit the overuse of elements such as "horror, violence, gore, and superstition."

The official document was issued amidst a recent surge in Vietnamese film releases exploring themes of spirituality, ghosts, curses, spirits, and other mystical stories. From commercially successful films like "Possessed," "The Ghost Lamp," "Ancestral House," and "Ut Lan: The Vengeful Spirit," to the recent success of "The House Ghost," and numerous ongoing projects, the horror genre is proving to be fertile ground for filmmakers to explore.

There's an old saying: "Seeing others digging for potatoes, one also grabs a shovel and starts digging." A few successful horror films, captivating audiences with their mystery and suspense, have become box office hits, leading to a wave of imitation in the film market. Of course, horror is a genre and subject matter that has been recognized and popular not only in our country but also worldwide for a long time. However, if not handled carefully, horror films can be exploited excessively, becoming a fad, a cheap sensationalist clickbait. This genre can degenerate into nothing more than "ghost movies": more gore than story, more scares than emotions, more superstition than human values.

The unbalanced proliferation of horror films also risks "impoverishing" the film industry. A "healthy" film industry cannot rely on just one genre, nor can it cling solely to spooky stories. If everyone rushes into horror films, even with good box office revenue, the film industry will lose the diversity that is essential for sustainable development. On the other hand, the excessive exploitation of superstitious elements, violence, or shocking content can negatively impact the perceptions of a segment of the audience, especially those who are easily influenced. The social responsibility of filmmakers cannot be overlooked, alongside the issue of revenue.

You may also like

Urgent completion of preparations for the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival.DANANG - On the afternoon of May 8th, the Deputy Secretary of the City Party Committee and Chairman of the City People's Committee, Nguyen Manh Hung, chaired a working session with a delegation from the Vietnam Film Promotion Association to review the organization of the 4th Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV) in 2026.

Cinema – a “cultural passport” that brings Vietnam to the world.(NB&CL) In recent years, Vietnamese cinema has not only made its mark with emotionally rich stories but has also gradually affirmed its role as an effective channel for promoting culture and tourism. Through each frame, the landscapes, people, and local life are recreated naturally, contributing to positioning the image of Vietnam in the eyes of domestic and international audiences.

Comedian Van Son speaks the truth for the first time about his deep relationship with Hong Dao.Van Son shared his feelings about Vietnamese cinema today with Dan Viet, and he also opened up for the first time about his close relationship with Hong Dao, which has lasted for many years.

The document from the Vietnam Film Department does not deny or prohibit the horror genre. The Department emphasizes careful consideration in subject matter selection and presentation, ensuring compliance with cultural values, social ethics, and legal regulations. Furthermore, the agency hopes filmmakers will pay more attention to works that spread positive stories, contribute to building the country's image, and strengthen national cultural soft power. "Priority should be given to works that promote Vietnamese history, culture, nature, and people; that spread positive stories, inspire patriotism, solidarity, compassion, and social responsibility...", the document emphasizes.

Vietnamese cinema is showing promising signs in terms of quality and revenue. However, it also reveals trends that are not truly sustainable, relying on fleeting fads. When everyone is "carrying a shovel to dig," eventually everyone will be eating the same potatoes, and feeling bored is inevitable.

DUY KHOI

You may also like

Vietnamese films amidst the box office 'maze'The surge in the number of Vietnamese films released in theaters is pushing the film market into increasingly fierce competition. In a context of limited screenings and constantly dispersed audiences, a film that wants to survive needs not only good content but also to win the race for distribution and marketing.

The 2nd Ho Chi Minh City Short Film Festival concludes, honoring the younger generation of filmmakers.From over 100 entries, the 2nd Ho Chi Minh City Short Film Festival in 2026 awarded 43 prizes, recognizing the growth of young filmmakers and emerging cinematic talents.

Find mechanisms to attract foreign film crews to Vietnam.VHO - On the morning of May 12th, in Bac Ninh province, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism held a working session with provincial leaders on the implementation of Resolution No. 28/2026/QH16 of the National Assembly on the development of Vietnamese culture. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong and Standing Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Bac Ninh province Mai Son.

Source: https://baocantho.com.vn/-vac-mai-di-dao--a207913.html