Vietnam’s cinematic allure is drawing global attention, with 17 major film crews committed to projects in the country by 2025, according to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism.
On November 21, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST) held a conference in Da Nang to implement Directive 30 issued by the Prime Minister.
The directive emphasizes the development of Vietnam's cultural industries, outlining responsibilities for not only the MCST but also other governmental sectors and local authorities, particularly those in key regions.
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaks at the conference on November 21. Photo: Dieu Thuy
Deputy Minister Ho An Phong highlighted that this directive marks a societal shift toward recognizing cultural industries as a driver for economic growth. It also aims to encourage business participation and transform the cultural sector from merely a service provider to a manager of cultural resources.
Vietnam, the Deputy Minister noted, has significant strengths in cinema, creativity, design, and cuisine. Currently, cultural industries contribute 4.04% to the nation’s GDP, but the potential for growth remains vast.
While promoting Vietnam as a filming destination in Hollywood, 17 major film production companies expressed their intention to shoot films in the country by 2025.
“They’ve done plenty in Thailand, and it’s become overused,” Deputy Minister Phong said. “They’re fascinated by Vietnam’s unique landscapes, rich culture, skilled labor force, and cost-effective production resources. Our cinematic potential is immense.”
Despite its promise, the cultural sector still faces obstacles. Tran Thi Phuong Lan, Director of the Culture and Arts Department at the Central Propaganda Department, noted that Vietnam lacks specific mechanisms and policies for developing cultural industries. Investment remains fragmented and insufficient.
“The key is to fully understand the role and significance of cultural industries,” Lan stated. “Misunderstandings lead to barriers in policy-making and planning.”
Delegates attending the conference on implementing Directive 30 by the Prime Minister regarding the development of Vietnam's cultural industries, held on November 21. Photo: Dieu Thuy.
Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, echoed the sentiment, emphasizing that investing in culture may require significant resources and yield long-term results, but it is crucial for sustainable national development.
Ho Chi Minh City has identified eight priority areas in its cultural development strategy, aiming to become a UNESCO Creative City in cinema and a leading cultural industry hub in Southeast Asia. The city is focusing on initiatives such as establishing training programs, allocating land for film studios and cultural service centers, and addressing tax and land-use challenges for businesses.
Nguyen Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Association for Film Promotion and Development, stressed the need to mobilize societal resources to support cultural industries. In cinema, this involves investing in marketing and incentivizing private filmmakers.
Writer Ngo Thao highlighted the importance of skilled cultural professionals, calling for better compensation and protection for those working in the sector. “Investing in art is high-risk, and policies are needed to safeguard its development,” he said.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
