On the morning of November 23, the launch ceremony of the guidebook “Ho Chi Minh City – A Film Production Destination” took place within the framework of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival in Ho Chi Minh City.
Ms. Trần Thị Diệu Thúy, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, stated that as one of the major hubs of the country — especially after expanding its development space to include forests, coastal areas, and an open urban environment — Ho Chi Minh City has many favorable conditions for breakthrough development.
Ms. Trần Thị Diệu Thúy, Vice Chairwoman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee speaking – Photo: TTO
The city has identified cultural industries, including cinema, as a sector with great potential, contributing effectively to economic growth, social development, and the promotion of Vietnam’s image to the world.
The city is developing a comprehensive cinematic ecosystem, spanning production, distribution, training, infrastructure, and film-making support services.
According to Ms. Thúy, in the context of being newly recognized as a “UNESCO Creative City of Film,” the launch of the guidebook “Ho Chi Minh City – A Film Production Destination” holds particularly important significance.
“This is not only a valuable professional resource for film producers, but also a strong commitment from the city to developing the film industry in alignment with the National Cultural Industries Development Strategy and the Vietnam Film Industry Development Strategy to 2030, with a vision toward 2045,” Ms. Thúy emphasized.
Mr. Paul Abela – Audiovisual Attaché of the French Embassy – Photo: TTO
In his role supporting Ho Chi Minh City in developing the guidebook, Mr. Paul Abela – Audiovisual Attaché of the French Embassy – expressed his pride in accompanying this project. He hopes this will mark the beginning of a long-term collaboration.
According to Mr. Paul Abela, Ho Chi Minh City is a dynamic cinematic ecosystem of Southeast Asia. The guidebook helps make filming more convenient and transparent, providing administrative information, filming locations and studios, and will continue to be further improved in the future.
Explaining the reason for France’s support, Mr. Paul Abela said the audiovisual sector is a pillar in the France–Vietnam Strategic Partnership, and cinema has long served as a cultural bridge between the two countries.
“This initiative contributes to building a sustainable film ecosystem for Ho Chi Minh City, professionalizing the reception of film crews, attracting international productions, developing post-production and animation, and promoting film tourism. At the same time, it creates more employment, training, and international cooperation opportunities for Vietnam’s young workforce.
This is the first operational tool supporting international film crews and affirms Ho Chi Minh City’s ambition to become a leading film hub in Southeast Asia,” Mr. Paul Abela shared.
This is the first time in Vietnam that a locality has proactively developed a specialized guidebook for international film crews, providing comprehensive information on locations, services, infrastructure, support procedures, communication systems, and resources ready to serve film production in Ho Chi Minh City.
The handbook “Ho Chi Minh City – Film Production Destination” was developed over 2 years – Photo: TTO
The launch of the Handbook is also the first activity demonstrating the strong commitment of Ho Chi Minh City after being recognized by UNESCO as a Creative City in the field of Cinema. With this title, the City aims to build a professional film production support ecosystem, creating favorable conditions for domestic and international film crews to access and work in Vietnam.
The Handbook provides an overview of the city’s geography, climate, transportation, and services; a list of prominent and potential filming locations; lists of production support units, logistics services, human resources; procedures, processes, and guidelines for working with regulatory agencies; as well as quick contact information and focal points for film crews.
This is seen as an initial driving force that will help Ho Chi Minh City continue to develop a “one-stop support mechanism for film crews,” modernize infrastructure, and promote investment in the film industry.
Author: VAN HA – TTO