Post by : Shakul
Vietnam's cinema sector is on the cusp of a new evolution, with industry experts asserting that it is poised to create films that can hold their own in the international market. This topic was a focal point at the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), where filmmakers, officials, and artists from Vietnam and the U.S. convened to discuss the prospects for Vietnamese cinema.
The seminar, titled "The American Film Industry – Lessons and Insights for Vietnam," examined strategies for nurturing a professional and globally competitive film ecosystem in Vietnam, inspired by Hollywood, while ensuring the preservation of its unique cultural heritage.
Understanding Hollywood's Film Ecosystem
Experts highlighted that Hollywood's triumph is not solely due to filmmaking, but rather its comprehensive ecosystem that integrates storytelling, financing, advanced technology, distribution, marketing, and intellectual property management into a cohesive industry.
The Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association argues that Vietnam should analyze successful practices from Hollywood—not to mimic them, but to adapt approaches that align with its own culture and resources.
Growth of Vietnamese Cinema
According to industry professionals, Vietnamese cinema has seen notable progress in recent years. Box office takings are rising, with several local films achieving significant commercial success and international festival recognition.
Vietnam’s increasing filmmaking prowess was underscored by collaborations such as "Kong: Skull Island," which showcased the country's capability to facilitate major Hollywood productions, leveraging local talent and locations.
Why Hollywood?
Hollywood is acclaimed as the world's leading film industry, having constructed an interconnected ecosystem merging creativity, funding, production, technology, distribution, and intellectual property. Experts believe that emulating certain fundamentals can refine Vietnam’s film industry while retaining its cultural essence.
Can Vietnam Compete Globally?
Industry leaders assert that Vietnam has laid down key foundations for producing competitive films. The local market is expanding swiftly, with domestic films achieving record revenues and filmmakers gaining valuable insights from international partnerships. Enhanced investment in talent and technology could enable Vietnam to create blockbusters that resonate globally.
Ongoing Challenges for the Film Sector
Nevertheless, experts believe there’s a need for stronger collaboration among filmmakers, investors, distributors, educational institutions, and state bodies. A sustainable industry must also improve film distribution, training, financing, and foster more international alliances while nurturing original Vietnamese stories.
The Role of Creativity in Filmmaking
Professor Nguyen Thi Lien Hang from Columbia University articulated that, although technology and AI can enhance filmmaking, they cannot overshadow the unique creativity, emotional depth, and vision that human artists impart to cinema.
Vietnam is progressively recognizing its film industry as vital to its cultural economy. Government strategies view cinema as a key sector for economic growth and for showcasing Vietnam's cultural heritage and identity.
Industry advocates are optimistic that a mix of creative talent, advanced technology, supportive policies, and international investment could make Vietnam a leading film hub in Asia. Continued participation in global film festivals, including DANAFF, will bolster Vietnam’s international standing and attract more foreign productions.
Call for Long-Term Partnerships
Conference speakers concurred that achieving the goal of creating globally recognized blockbuster films will necessitate long-term partnerships among filmmakers, investors, educators, tech specialists, distributors, and policymakers.
They are confident that with ongoing investment and strategic planning, Vietnamese cinema can evolve into a modern film ecosystem capable of producing globally successful films while honoring the country’s rich cultural identity.
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