With the implementation of Decree 189, Thanh am vuot dai duong (Echoes Across the Ocean) has become the first State-commissioned feature film to receive a nationwide commercial theatrical release, marking a significant milestone for Vietnam's film industry.

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Cast members attend the premiere of Thanh am vuot dai duong.

On the evening of July 16, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism premiered the historical feature at the National Cinema Center, celebrating the film's release shortly after Government Decree No. 189/2026/ND-CP, which governs the distribution of films serving political and public missions, officially took effect.

The event marked not only the debut of a project that had been in development for a decade, but also the beginning of a new chapter in bringing State-commissioned productions to wider audiences through commercial cinemas.

Produced by Feature Film Studio No. 1 under a State commission, the 116-minute feature carries a T13 rating and recreates the resilience of Vietnamese revolutionary prisoners held at Con Dao Prison between 1945 and 1954.

Audiences will recognize veteran actors including People's Artist Bui Bai Binh, who plays Bui, and Meritorious Artist Dang Tat Binh, alongside younger performers Thuy Duong as Tam/May and Quang Thuan as Duy.

The film's principal antagonist, Sec Cut, is portrayed by Vinh Xuong, while the international cast includes Maurise Nash as the prison governor, Martin Kruger as prison guard Gary and Charlie Win as a musician.

Decree 189 provides a major boost

Speaking at the premiere, Dang Tran Cuong, Director General of the Cinema Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, announced that the film will begin screening in commercial cinema chains nationwide on July 24, carrying what he described as a special mission.

It is the first feature released following the implementation of Government Decree No. 189/2026/ND-CP, which officially came into force on July 15, 2026.

According to Cuong, the decree introduces two major policy breakthroughs.

First, it encourages organizations and individuals to participate in distributing and screening State-commissioned films for which the State holds ownership rights.

Second, if a film generates commercial revenue, distributors are required to return at least 30% of net revenue to the State budget after deducting eligible costs.

"The decree provides an important legal foundation for bringing State-commissioned films to audiences through commercial cinema systems," Cuong said.

He emphasized that commercial distribution does not change the films' original public service mission. Instead, it significantly expands public access.

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Actors Charlie Win and Thuy Duong.

Cuong also stressed that allowing State-commissioned films to compete alongside commercial productions should not be viewed as placing additional pressure on these projects.

"The primary objective remains fulfilling their political and public service mission by reaching as many people as possible," he said. "For that reason, the Cinema Department is not focusing on box office revenue at this stage, nor do we want cinema operators to feel pressured by ticket sales or attendance."

The current release, he explained, serves as a pilot to evaluate how Decree 189 operates in practice.

Lessons from this initial rollout will help authorities refine relevant legal regulations and make future participation easier for organizations and individuals.

The National Cinema Center has been authorized by the Cinema Department to act as the lead agency in negotiating distribution agreements directly with cinema chains.

The policy reforms have already produced encouraging results.

According to Cuong, Vietnam currently has 15 film distributors, operating 237 cinema complexes with a total of 1,267 screening rooms nationwide.

To date, all 16 major cinema chain operators have expressed interest in participating in the release.

Between 190 and 197 cinema complexes are expected to screen the film during its theatrical run.

Reforming investment in State-commissioned films

Responding to long-standing concerns that State funding for film production has often been insufficient, Cuong told VietNamNet that authorities are proposing amendments to several legal regulations governing investment in State-commissioned films.

Under the proposed model, the State would provide only part of the production budget for major projects while retaining authority over selecting themes and ensuring appropriate content.

Participating production companies would be responsible for mobilizing the remaining financial resources.

Although the reform process is expected to take time, Cuong said it represents a practical solution for reducing pressure on the State budget while encouraging broader participation from the film industry.

Tinh Le