After nearly eight months since submitting its application, Ho Chi Minh City has officially been designated by UNESCO as the first “Creative City of Film” in Southeast Asia.
Legendary Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu interacts with fans in Ho Chi Minh City – Photo: HIFF
The announcement was made on the occasion of World Cities Day 2025, as the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) welcomed 58 new members.
A Driving Force for Vietnam’s Film Industry
Ho Chi Minh City was recognized by UNESCO for its vibrant creative energy, diverse cultural identity, and strong commitment to sustainable urban development driven by creativity. With this title, Ho Chi Minh City officially becomes one of 408 cities across more than 100 countries that are pioneering creativity as a key driver for inclusive development.
To date, Vietnam has four cities included in UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network: Hanoi, Da Lat, Hoi An, and Ho Chi Minh City.
Ho Chi Minh City currently accounts for around 40% of the national box office revenue.
The application dossier of Ho Chi Minh City was submitted on March 3, 2025, and went through a rigorous assessment process. Becoming part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network provides the City named after President Ho Chi Minh with valuable opportunities to exchange ideas, knowledge, and experience with other creative cities; to expand international cooperation in film production, distribution, and education; and to harness the community’s creative potential — contributing to the city’s goal of having the cultural industries account for 7.2% of its GRDP by 2030.
Currently, Ho Chi Minh City has 10 cinema chains, 52 cinema complexes, 295 screening rooms, and 184 creative spaces — professional venues dedicated to artistic practice. Additionally, the city operates 22 district-level cultural centers and 18 labor cultural houses serving community needs.
According to People’s Artist Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Culture and Sports, cinema is considered a key pillar among the eight sectors of the city’s cultural industries. Ho Chi Minh City remains Vietnam’s largest film market, accounting for approximately 40% of national box office revenue.
Outdoor film screening by the Saigon River (Photo: HIFF)
The city is also leveraging mechanisms from Resolution No. 98, introducing progressive policies to attract investment and foster collaboration in the cultural sector. Under the development plan, Ho Chi Minh City will establish a Creative Park along the Saigon River, invest in film studios, post-production centers, and digital film distribution platforms. Furthermore, the city aims to simplify administrative procedures and integrate public services to better support filmmakers and creative enterprises.
HIFF – A Platform for International Connection and Sustainable Development
The Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF) has played a pivotal role in initiating and propelling this journey forward. From its very first edition, HIFF has served as an international bridge for the city’s film industry, fostering professional exchanges and collaborations with global organizations, experts, and filmmakers. These initiatives have helped strengthen Ho Chi Minh City’s image as a dynamic cinematic hub, while also serving as a crucial component supporting the city’s UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) application.
The Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival has significantly contributed to the city’s recognition as a UNESCO City of Film (Photo: HIFF)
As the first “City of Film” in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, Ho Chi Minh City is set to play a connecting role between Vietnamese and international cinema, contributing to the shared growth of the regional film industry. The city aims to develop modern film production infrastructure, enhance training and expert exchange programs, build a high-quality creative workforce, and maintain large-scale international film events — with HIFF envisioned as the city’s annual flagship film festival.
Through cinema, Ho Chi Minh City aspires to preserve national traditions, nurture creative energy, enrich the spiritual life of its people, and build a sustainable film industry.
International visitors enthusiastically immerse themselves in the Cineshow program during the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (Photo: HIFF)
The upcoming 24th Vietnam Film Festival, scheduled to take place in Ho Chi Minh City at the end of November, will provide a valuable opportunity for the city to showcase its dynamic transformation, reaffirm its position as a center of economy, culture, education, and technology, and further strengthen international film cooperation.
Author: THU TRANG
Source: Ho Chi Minh City officially becomes UNESCO's "City of Cinema"