VietNamNet Bridge – Vietnamese film producers used to produce films for Tet holiday (lunar New Year) only but not any more.

At Megastar Hanoi

“Canh dong bat tan” or “Floating Lives” attracted nearly 70,000 audiences from October 22-24, earning more than 3 billion dong ($150,000). This is a strange phenomenon in the movie market.

There are many factors behind the success of “Floating Lives”. Firstly, it is based on a famous story. Secondly, it was widely marketed from the beginning. Thirdly, many famous actors participated in the film. Fourthly, the movie represented Vietnam at several international film festivals.

However, the success of this film shows a more important thing: local films can do well not only during the Tet holiday.

Several weeks ago, other local films like “Trung Uy” (Lieutenant) and “Giao lo dinh menh” (Inferno) caused a sensation?at cinemas.

In late April, “De mai tinh” (Fool for love) attracted large numbers of audiences.

“Khat vong Thang Long” (Thang Long aspiration) came out on November 12. “Saigon Yo” and “Em hien nhu ma so” will be introduced during the Christmas.

This year, at least seven local films will be introduced.

In the past several years, Vietnamese movies were only introduced during the Tet holiday to avoid losses. Tet holiday is considered the season for local films.

In 2007, “The rebels” came out in April and even though it was a success,, this was considered risky. However, after “The rebels”, local film producers didn’t dare to do the same.

The situation has changed over the past year, when the number of cinemas increased and watching new films at cinemas became the habit of many urban residents

In 2009, four films were screened commercially out of the Tet holiday season, including two films by overseas Vietnamese director - “Chuyen tinh xa xu” (Passport to Love), and “14 ngay phep” (14 days off), “Choi voi” (Lonely) and “Bay rong” (Clash).

Actor Johnny Tri Nguyen said that the most important change in the Vietnamese film market is the opening of many modern box offices. In addition, people in big cities have become familiar with the habit of watching films at cinemas. These are important factors in promoting the development of the film market.

Hanh Phuong