Speaking to VietNamNet, department director Dang Tran Cuong said the agency had issued a document asking those involved to comply fully with regulations on online film distribution. The move follows rapid growth in both the volume of films available online and the ways they are released.

Some online film distributors have not completed required procedures

According to the department, advances in digital technology and online content services have brought a wider range of distribution methods and a growing volume of films to online platforms.

Many productions described as “short films” now reach viewers through platforms, apps and online content services.

“Through our work administering the cinema sector, we have found that some organizations and individuals distributing films online have not fulfilled, or have not fully fulfilled, the conditions and procedures required by law,” Cuong said.

He cited questions about who is permitted to distribute films online, the conditions for classifying films, how classification results are determined and displayed, and the requirement to notify authorities of film lists and classification results before release, among other obligations.

Under Clause 1, Article 21 of Vietnam’s 2022 Cinema Law, the entities permitted to distribute films online are enterprises, public service units and organizations carrying out film distribution in accordance with the Cinema Law and other relevant laws.

The Cinema Department has asked those distributing films online to promptly check that they are eligible to do so. They must also review distribution on the platforms and apps they manage or operate to ensure compliance with cinema regulations and other relevant laws.

Platforms asked to review “short films” urgently

The department has asked digital media platforms, intermediary platforms and app stores offering films or film-distribution apps in Vietnam to urgently review the films, “short films” and apps they provide.

Film distribution must comply with the Cinema Law and its implementing regulations.

Where films or “short films” are offered by providers that have not fully met the conditions for online distribution, film classification requirements or related obligations, the department has asked platforms to block them promptly and stop making them available.

Platforms should also require the providers concerned to correct the issues and complete the necessary conditions and procedures before distribution resumes.

“We are coordinating with relevant authorities and units to inspect, review and verify cases in which organizations or individuals distributing films through platforms, apps and online spaces show signs of violating cinema laws,” the department said.

It has asked the organizations, businesses and individuals concerned to review their activities and remedy any shortcomings or violations. They should also cooperate and provide relevant information and documents promptly when requested by competent authorities during inspections and verification.

Tuan Chieu