Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is increasingly asserting its role as a major market and a dynamic development hub of Vietnam’s film industry. The city has actively organized numerous international film events and festivals, aiming to enhance its position and promote international cooperation in the cinematic sector.
1. Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF)
The most notable recent milestone is Ho Chi Minh City’s successful inaugural organization of the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF):
A Major Event: The first HIFF (2024) brought together nearly 200 filmmakers, directors, and renowned actors from around the world, including prominent figures such as Hirokazu Kore-eda (Japan), Tom Cross (Vietnamese-American, Academy Award winner), Olivier Peré (former Artistic Director of the Cannes Film Festival), and Kim Jee-woon (Republic of Korea).
Ho Chi Minh City successfully hosted the inaugural Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF).
Objectives: The festival is expected to establish a prestigious international film festival brand, contributing to elevating the global standing of Vietnamese cinema and attracting investment in the city’s film and cultural industries.
Award Categories: HIFF features several main competition categories, including Best Southeast Asian Film (Golden Star Award), Best Young Filmmaker, Best Short Film, and the Ho Chi Minh City Film Award.
2. Other Cinematic Activities
In addition to HIFF, Ho Chi Minh City also hosts numerous other film-related activities and events, reflecting the diverse and dynamic development of the industry:
Ho Chi Minh City Short Film Festival: The festival has been successfully organized, contributing to the discovery and recognition of young film projects and new human resources for the city’s film industry.
Vietnam Film Festival: Ho Chi Minh City is also selected as the host location for the 24th Vietnam Film Festival (expected to take place in late November 2025, according to available information).
Exhibitions: Side events such as exhibitions honoring the achievements of Vietnamese cinema are also regularly organized.
Ho Chi Minh City is making strong efforts to implement its Film Industry Development Strategy, with the objective of positioning cinema as one of the key industries, contributing to the city’s overall economic growth.
Poster of the 24th Vietnam Film Festival