According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), Vietnamese cinema is undergoing a significant transformation.

On the morning of March 12, the VFDA, in collaboration with the Boston Global Forum (BGF), organized a roundtable discussion at Harvard University titled "Vietnam-U.S. Film Development Cooperation in the Context of Artificial Intelligence and the Fourth Industrial Revolution."

The event focused on the core values of Vietnamese cinema, including humanitarianism, compassion, and altruism, as well as the industry's integration into the global market, the development of a robust film industry, and the emerging role of AI in film production.

Vietnam needs a comprehensive film ecosystem

According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Vietnamese cinema has entered a crucial phase of growth. Over the past five years, for the first time, Vietnamese films have generated tens of millions of dollars in revenue, demonstrating the strength of the domestic market. Meanwhile, the new Film Law has facilitated easier access for international film crews to shoot in Vietnam, creating more opportunities for collaboration with Hollywood and other foreign markets.

She emphasized that Vietnam’s cultural identity is a key factor in helping its cinema make a mark on the global stage. The values of humanitarianism and compassion, which have been reflected in classic films like The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone and When the Tenth Month Comes, continue to be explored in contemporary productions with fresh perspectives and storytelling techniques.

Vietnamese cinema cannot rely solely on its scenic landscapes as a filming location. A well-rounded film ecosystem is necessary to attract international collaborations. Key factors such as technology, incentive policies, talent development, and strategic distribution must be enhanced to elevate Vietnam’s position in the global film industry. Integrating traditional storytelling with advanced technology—such as AI in film production—will not only improve quality but also increase competitiveness in the international market.

Looking ahead, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan affirmed that the VFDA is actively implementing the PAI Film Attraction Index in various provinces while also expanding cooperation with international film organizations, universities, and technology-driven film partners in the U.S. to create more opportunities for Vietnam’s film industry.

Columbia University professor and filmmaker Tony Bui stated that Vietnam has all the necessary conditions to produce internationally recognized films. The main challenge now is ensuring Vietnamese cinema has a greater global impact, attracting more international film crews. He stressed that infrastructure alone is not enough; competitive incentive policies are also needed.

Massachusetts Film Office Director Meg Montagnino suggested that Vietnam could learn from successful models in places like Massachusetts and South Africa, which have developed attractive tax incentives and Hollywood-standard production facilities. She emphasized that streamlining the film permitting process and establishing a clear support system would make Vietnam a more attractive destination for international filmmakers.

AIWS film park: A vision for AI-powered filmmaking

One of the key topics at the roundtable was the AIWS Film Park initiative, a strategic project aimed at integrating AI into film production and connecting Vietnam with the global creative ecosystem.

AIWS Film Park is not only envisioned as a film production center but also as a comprehensive AI-driven film ecosystem, linked with leading film hubs such as Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington D.C., San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London.

According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, the AIWS Film Park will serve as a convergence point for technology, education, and international cooperation, positioning Vietnam as an innovative film center in the region. While AI remains a topic of debate, she highlighted its crucial role in filmmaking, helping to save time, costs, and resources.

This initiative is also part of the "Friends of Vietnam - U.S. Film Collaboration" program, a Vietnam-U.S. film partnership aimed at supporting filmmakers and investors from both countries in project development, resource sharing, and the creation of a sustainable film ecosystem.

The AIWS Film Park project is expected to enhance film production quality in Vietnam while providing favorable conditions for international film crews to shoot and distribute their films in the country.

PV