2025 marks a milestone year for Vietnamese cinema, with record growth in domestic market share and increasing visibility on the global stage.
That is the view of Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), who shared her insights during a seminar titled "Vietnamese and French cinema: Opportunities for collaboration" held at the Vietnam Cultural Center in France.
This event was part of “Vietnam Cinema Week – A Journey of Light”, creating an in-depth dialogue between policymakers, experts, producers, and artists from both countries on strategies for development and global integration in the new context.
Vietnamese cinema is experiencing positive momentum. Local films are appearing more frequently at prestigious international film festivals, a new generation of creative talent is emerging, and the domestic market is showing clear signs of growth.
In recent years, Vietnam has hosted reputable international film festivals such as Haniff and Danaff in major cities like Hanoi and Da Nang, building credibility in the region. Additionally, Vietnam’s national strategy for cultural industry development through 2030 names cinema as one of seven key sectors - a strong foundation for breakthrough progress and global integration.
In that context, strengthening ties with advanced film industries - particularly France, with its complete cinematic ecosystem and advanced support mechanisms - is vital for expanding markets and enhancing Vietnam’s global competitiveness.
Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang emphasized: “In recent years, Vietnam–France exchanges have flourished across many sectors, including cinema. Both sides are exploring increasingly effective and meaningful partnerships that can elevate the industry in both nations.”
Mr. Mathieu Ripka, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan (middle), and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc were key speakers at the seminar.
Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Mathieu Ripka - General Representative of the French Authors-Directors-Producers Association - remarked: “Why not set an ambitious goal? This year, a French-Iranian co-production is representing France at the Oscars. It’s easy to imagine that one day, a French-Vietnamese co-production could do the same.
Vietnam is deeply connected to this story, with a large Vietnamese community in France and many French citizens of Vietnamese descent. Artistic exchange will help sustain and grow this special relationship.”
The event helped foster new partnerships between Vietnamese and French film organizations, encouraging collaboration in human resources, technical exchange, production, and distribution - all while raising the profile of Vietnamese cinema on the international stage. It served not only as a professional exchange but also a meaningful cultural bridge, contributing to the sustainable development of Vietnam’s film industry.
The seminar attracted filmmakers, artists, and critics from both Vietnam and France.
Young director Le Binh Giang, known for his horror film Kfc (2015) which was screened at 20 international festivals, shared: “As a young filmmaker, I’m always seeking opportunities to collaborate with international counterparts - especially in France, the cradle of many legendary directors and films.
I hope to work with French filmmakers and funding bodies to bring my work closer to the global stage. Moving forward, I hope we’ll see more France–Vietnam programs to advance cinema in both countries. Such growth not only benefits cinema but also promotes Vietnamese culture and tourism internationally.”
Speakers analyzed the unique advantages of both nations - from France’s developed film ecosystem to Vietnam’s young talent and expanding market - to identify collaborative opportunities in production, training, distribution, and international promotion.
According to Dr. Lan, Vietnam’s film scene is thriving, especially in 2025, which has seen exceptional growth in domestic market share and industry momentum.
She noted the increasing presence of Vietnamese films - including indie projects - being invited, recognized, and awarded at global festivals.
“There’s an incredible creative energy in Vietnam right now, driven by weekly box office successes. This energy attracts not only domestic investors and filmmakers but also producers from across Asia and beyond,” she said.
“I hope that 2026 will see even more effective growth and cooperation between Vietnamese and French cinema.”
Proposals and specific solutions
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan speaking on Vietnam–France production cooperation.
Le Grand Rex - named the world’s most beautiful cinema by Time Out - will host screenings during Vietnam Cinema Week in Paris. Photos: Organizing Board
Building on practical experience, the seminar aimed to offer tangible strategies to deepen cooperation, maximize mutual resources, and co-create projects with global competitiveness.
Mr. Mathieu Ripka added: “This partnership can be further expanded, especially in film distribution - making French films more accessible in Vietnam, and vice versa.
We should even consider collaboration in cinema operations, which is a French strength. We have cinema networks throughout the country and deep expertise in this area. These initiatives require ongoing exchange and commitment.”
Producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc commented: “Looking back, Vietnam–France film cooperation has grown positively. We’ve moved from providing services to actual co-production.
French producers now partner with Vietnamese directors to co-create and co-own films that are showcased internationally.”
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan concluded: “One cannot overlook the passionate ambition to globalize Vietnamese cinema - an ambition supported by organizations like the Vietnam Film Development Association and AVSE Global (Association of Vietnamese Scientists and Experts Worldwide).
With backing from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the Vietnamese Embassy in France, we hope this program leaves a lasting mark - not only on Vietnamese cinema but also on the broader Vietnam–France friendship for years to come.”
On December 5, 2025, Vietnam Cinema Week in Paris officially kicked off at Le Grand Rex - Europe’s largest cinema and a cultural icon of the city.
The opening night marked the start of a showcase of 17 acclaimed Vietnamese films to international audiences. It also brought together managers, directors, artists, and cinema experts from Vietnam and abroad.
Vietnamnet.vn
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