Originating in 1898 with the Eden Cinema in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) – a milestone marking the birth of Vietnamese cinema
Originating in 1898 with the Eden Cinema in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City) – a milestone marking the birth of Vietnamese cinema.
Up to now, the city has: >100 regular film producers, 935 companies, USD 500 million revenue (2024), 9,294 workers, 40% of Vietnam's cinema market, a widespread, creative and flexible network, many major international film events, and ongoing international cooperation in the field of cinema taking place in Ho Chi Minh City.
A widespread network of connections: The Union of Literature and Arts Associations (with over 5,400 members) and various professional clubs serve as a bridge connecting talents in the film industry.
The HCMC Cinema Association is a professional organization that brings together filmmakers, directors, screenwriters, producers, critics, theorists, and researchers in the field of cinema, with 872 members.
_ University and Academy System: Ho Chi Minh City boasts a rich educational network in culture and the arts, offering a wide range of university-level programs specializing in screenwriting, directing, cinematography, acting, digital film production, and film – television technology. These programs play a key role in nurturing and developing generations of creative talent.
The University of Social Sciences and Humanities (USSH) offers a major in film and television screenwriting. In response to market demands and the growing potential of the film industry, several universities have recently introduced specialized programs, such as the Film and Television Directing program at Van Lang University, the Film and Television Technology program at the University of Technology, and the Film Program at Hoa Sen University.
– Creative Support: Creative spaces such as 184 practice venues and the online platform H.OIP (Ho Chi Minh City Open Innovation Platform) facilitate connections between filmmakers, businesses, and investors, enabling the production and dissemination of groundbreaking film projects.
– International Cooperation: The involvement of organizations such as the French Institut, Goethe-Institut, the British Council, along with 57 sister cities, forms a strong network that promotes cultural exchange, knowledge sharing, and collaborative learning.
– Cinema Network: 10 cinema systems, 52 complexes, and 295 screening rooms, along with 184 creative spaces dedicated to film production, promotion, and artistic experiences.
– Startup hubs such as SIHUB and SHTP support innovation and the development of film projects.
– Film Events and Festivals: Major events such as the HIFF 2024 International Film Festival, Short Film Festivals, “Vietnam Night” at Busan, and the Vietnam Film & Tourism Promotion in the U.S. attract hundreds of thousands of attendees and serve as platforms for artistic exchange—enhancing Ho Chi Minh City’s reputation on the global cinematic map.
Other notable events include the Hozo Music Festival and the Waterway Festival.
– According to the Development Plan for the Creative City Network under UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Ho Chi Minh City possesses many favorable conditions to become a UNESCO Creative City.
“Ho Chi Minh City – The City of Cinema”