On the afternoon of November 22 in Ho Chi Minh City, the Cinema Department, in coordination with the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, organized a meeting to exchange experiences among provinces and cities regarding attracting film productions to film at their localities. The program is a significant professional activity within the framework of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival, aimed at strengthening connections and sharing models, mechanisms, and policies for film development in each locality.
The event was attended by Mr. Dang Tran Cuong – Director General of the Cinema Department, Head of the Organizing Committee of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival; Mr. Paul Abela – Regional Audiovisual Attaché, French Institute; along with representatives of film producers, film enterprises, and representatives from many provinces and cities nationwide.
Experiences in Attracting International Film Productions from France
Sharing at the conference, Mr. Paul Abela introduced the support model for international film productions when filming in France. He stated that France possesses a dedicated focal point to guide and answer all inquiries of film productions. Furthermore, the country also implements a policy of refunding 20–40% of costs for film productions if they meet the prescribed criteria – one of the key factors rendering France an attractive destination for global filmmakers.
Mr. Paul Abela sharing practical experiences in France – Photo: TTO
Based on this reality, he proposed that localities in Vietnam should proactively promote settings, build image databases, develop bilingual websites with clear contact information, ensure facilities serving film productions, and establish a direct support focal point (hotline) to timely resolve arising issues.
Enterprises Recommend Strengthening Support and Exploiting Mutual Benefits
Mr. Nguyen Trinh Hoan, Director of HK Film, shared that every film requires numerous settings, and producers are always concerned whether the locality will provide support. “Only when receiving a response agreeing to support from the locality do we begin writing the script,” he stated.
Mr. Nguyen Trinh Hoan expressing interest in local support for film productions – Photo: TTO
Given that Vietnam does not yet possess a cost refund mechanism comparable to international standards, Mr. Hoan proposed a new form of exchange: the film production can produce a reportage or a clip promoting local tourism through actors or the crew; this constitutes an effective and cost-efficient method for the locality.
Representative of Mockingbird Pictures, Ms. Doan Thi Thu Trang, emphasized the importance of demonstrating clear economic benefits to local enterprises when film productions arrive for filming. She also proposed deeper research into developing local specialized human resources, aimed at increasing job opportunities and enhancing the quality of support for film productions.
Many provinces and cities expressed consensus with the proposals, affirming they will create the most favorable conditions for film productions, including supporting location scouting, reducing hotel rates by up to 50%, and ensuring security throughout the filming process
Caption: Director General of the Cinema Department Dang Tran Cuong speaking at the meeting – Photo: TTO
Speaking at the meeting, Mr. Dang Tran Cuong, Director General of the Cinema Department, affirmed that the Department will continue to serve as a bridge between domestic and foreign film productions and localities. According to him, local art troupes can become a source of quality extras ready to participate when there is demand.
Mr. Dang Tran Cuong also stated that if localities possess publications introducing suitable settings, the Cinema Department will support promotion at international film events through diplomatic channels and film exhibitions abroad.