"Fertile ground" for Vietnamese cinema

Vietnamese cinema, and world cinema in general, has always placed feature films that explore historical themes and adapt literary works in a prominent position.

Audiences lined up to buy tickets for "Peach, Pho and Piano" on February 22nd at the Beta cinema complex. (Photo by HONG HA).

Despite its potential and long-standing presence, experts believe that the development and production of this film genre remains an underutilized "fertile ground," leaving a gap in the overall landscape of Vietnamese cinema.

Vietnamese cinema has produced many historically significant films such as: "August Star," " Hanoi in the Winter of 1946," "The 17th Parallel Day and Night," "Nguyen Ai Quoc in Hong Kong,"... or films released not long ago such as: "Long Thanh's Lute Player's Song," "Those Who Wrote Legends," "The Scent of Burning Grass," "Peach, Pho, and Piano"...

Meanwhile, successful film adaptations of literary works include: "Sister Tu Hau" (from the short story "A Story Written in the Hospital" by Bui Duc Ai); "The Nightingale" (from the short story "The Story of a Song" by Nguyen Van Thong); "Mother Absent" (from the short story of the same name by Nguyen Thi); "The Unmarried Woman's Wharf" (from the work of writer Duong Huong); "Me Thao - A Glorious Era" (from the story "Chua Dan" by writer Nguyen Tuan); "Don't Burn" (based on the diary of martyr Dang Thuy Tram)...

However, compared to the cultural and historical significance of the nation and the practical demands of life, both the quantity and quality of cinematic works are still insufficient.

Watching classic historical films from world-renowned cinemas, we see how meticulously they invest in filmmaking, ensuring historical accuracy in everything from costumes, props, and settings to language, psychology, and character portrayals. Films adapted from literary works are also carefully crafted, nuanced, and highly artistic. Such films attract a significant audience, encouraging them to explore and broaden their understanding of the history and literature of these countries.

Chairman of the Vietnam Writers Association, Nguyen Quang Thieu, believes this is a very important and concerning issue. He himself has had several works adapted into films, such as "The Mustard Flower Season by the River" and "The Land of the Guava Tree," and whenever he watches a historical film adapted from literature, he seeks out the original source material to expand his information and knowledge.

Most authors wish for their works to be adapted, but this is a challenging task for filmmakers and administrators alike. Analyzing the reasons for the shortage in both the quantity and quality of films in this genre, poet Nguyen Quang Thieu argues that domestic filmmakers are sometimes rigidly dependent on historical content or original literary works, lacking creativity in cinematic thinking, failing to express their own perspectives, and failing to create a life for the characters while respecting historical truth and not contradicting the main spirit of the original literary work.

Sharing the same viewpoint, director Charlie Nguyen affirmed that the two aforementioned film genres bring special and distinct values ​​to the development of the film industry. Everyone in the film industry harbors aspirations, but overcoming psychological barriers, demonstrating courage, creativity, and possessing profound understanding is something not everyone can achieve.

For example, when making a historical film, the director must thoroughly research the events and characters before beginning the creative process. This is not only a fundamental principle but also a matter of professional ethics.

However, many filmmakers have not yet met this minimum requirement. In addition, there are many other difficulties, such as: high costs due to the need to build sets, costumes, and props; challenges in terms of revenue and commercial success, making it difficult to convince investors and audiences to watch the films to recoup their investment...

It can be said that films exploring historical themes and adapting literary works need more practical attention and preferential policies from the State. Specifically, to operate a film project on historical themes, there needs to be preferential policies regarding taxes, loans, and the creation of conditions for establishing film studios and building a collection of props related to various historical periods for future exploitation and utilization.

Mr. Qian Zhongyuan, Production Director of As One Production (China) - the producer of many successful historical films - shared his experience on exploring historical themes in cinema. According to him, to make good historical films, one needs to broaden their perspective and thinking. Major historical events must be respected; they cannot be altered. However, within the historical foundation, there is always room for filmmakers to be creative and utilize the material.

Many countries have policies encouraging the production of historical films and adaptations of literary works. Filmmakers receive support from researchers and experts in the field throughout the filmmaking process. Furthermore, films on these topics are also financially supported. Local authorities have policies to support and facilitate filming in desired locations, as successful cinema can stimulate tourism.

According to Associate Professor, Dr. Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly's Committee on Culture and Education, respecting history is a moral responsibility of filmmakers. The Film Law contains several provisions aimed at protecting historical truth. These are necessary boundaries to ensure that works do not deviate from the goals of educating and honoring history.

However, art still has room for creativity in those "gaps" to make the story more engaging and vibrant. By combining authenticity and creativity, historical cinema can touch the hearts of audiences, creating works that are both educational and highly artistic, and the goal of commissioned films is to achieve this.

During the screening of "Hanoi in the Winter of 1946" and the Q&A session between the film crew and the audience, part of the 7th Hanoi International Film Festival 2024, director Dang Nhat Minh shared his emotion at seeing audiences still seeking out the film 28 years after its release.

This proves that the audience has not turned their backs on the national culture and history, but still cherishes it deeply. After nearly three decades, the film is honored to return to serve the audience in the capital, bringing impressive images of Hanoi, President Ho Chi Minh, and the self-defense soldiers during a challenging period in the country's history.

Director Ngo Quang Hai (who plays Lam in the film) believes that one of the key factors contributing to the film's success is the patriotic spirit stemming from the heart, soul, and passion of director Dang Nhat Minh. This is the decisive value that allows the film to transcend the boundaries of a cinematic work and become a cultural heritage.

One of the key issues, suggesting solutions to improve the quantity and quality of important film genres, is the need for a deep and appropriate understanding. Compared to previous periods, the 2022 Film Law has many open regulations aimed at developing the film market in the areas of film production, distribution, and dissemination.

The regulations expanding film themes and genres, and implementing the commissioning of films using state budget funds (without competitive bidding), facilitate the creation of cinematic works, meeting the requirements of the Party and State's political tasks, promoting national traditions, the image of the country, its people, and Vietnamese cultural identity. Currently, the number of feature films produced domestically annually is around 40, which is average, but the potential for film production development remains very rich.

Film experts emphasize that, ultimately, the deciding factor remains the talent and courage of the filmmaker. They need to give their all and believe in the path they have chosen. From a management perspective, more innovation is needed in thinking and operation, and even the audience needs to broaden their perspective to avoid narrow-mindedness and preconceived notions.

Historical themes and literary works, viewed through the lens of cinema, become even more engaging, spreading meaningful messages that contribute to education and enhance national pride and self-respect.

How to make films exploring these themes truly valuable and appealing to audiences remains a difficult problem that leaves filmmakers perplexed and hesitant. Actively discovering and nurturing talent; encouraging creativity within certain standards; and learning from useful international experiences are some of the solutions proposed by domestic and international experts with the hope of overcoming difficulties and unleashing the potential of Vietnamese cinema.

According to nhandan.vn

Source: https://baophutho.vn/vung-dat-mau-mo-cho-dien-anh-viet-nam-222598.htm