The UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) is UNESCO's flagship city programme initiated in 2004 to promote cooperation among cities that have recognized culture and creativity as strategic drivers of sustainable urban development.[1][2][3] As of 2022, there are nearly 300 cities from around 90 countries in the network.

The network aims to promote mutual international cooperation with and between member cities committed to investing in creativity as a driver for sustainable urban development, social inclusion and cultural vibrancy.[ 4 ] The network recognises the following creative sectors:[ 1 ]

  • The general situation and activities within the Network are reported in UCCN Member Monitoring Reports, each covering a four-year period for a specific city. [ 5 ]
  • The Network recognizes the concept of creative tourism, defined as travel that involves creative experiences and participation. [ 6 ]

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_Cities_Network

Films

Literature

Music

Cuisine

Design

Handicrafts and folk arts

Media Arts

Process of joining the Unesco Creative Cities Network (UCCN)

To join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Ho Chi Minh City was previously honored to receive nominations for “Asia's Leading Business Destination” and “Asia's Leading Festival and Event Destination” at the World Travel Awards 2023.

Ho Chi Minh City is also among the top 200 global startup cities. The city government is committed to working with businesses to promote innovation, setting green growth and a good quality of life for its people as the basic goals to aim for by 2030.

In addition, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said that it has recently issued the Project "Strategy for developing Ho Chi Minh City's cultural industry to 2030" in 8 fields: Cinema; Performing arts; Fine arts; Photography; Exhibitions; Advertising; Cultural tourism; Fashion.

Initiatives and projects for film development

CREATING CINEMA IN SCHOOL

Enhance artistic perception, taste and aesthetic ability for the young generation.
Discover, train and nurture young talents in the field of cinema, build the next generation (artists and audiences).

Local Initiative

PROJECT "COLORS OF LIFE THROUGH CINEMA"

Conveying a multi-dimensional story about the life, people and rich culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Create equal access to the arts for all segments of the population, especially underrepresented groups; connect communities through cinematic arts.

BUILDING CREATIVE CINEMA SPACE

Building a Cinema Theme Park at Saigon Riverside Park, creating a space for connection and creativity

Renovation and development of literary and artistic creative space at 25 Le Quy Don, District 3 (2,800 m²)

ASIAN CITY CITIES NETWORK FORUM

Create a playground for professional exchange and interaction between Vietnamese filmmakers, screenwriters, producers and film experts with the region and Asia.
Organized in many rich and diverse forms.

International Connection Initiative

ORGANIZATION OF THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

Aiming to organize according to international and professional standards; Honoring films with unique, creative and humane values; seeking investment in young talent projects.
Diverse forms of activities: Screening new films; organizing Project Markets and Vietnamese Script Incubators; Festivals and Awards, etc.

FORMING A HUB TO SUPPORT CINEMA DEVELOPMENT

Connect with consulting and administrative support contacts for filmmakers coming to Ho Chi Minh City.
Build cinema data (analysis of consumer tastes, trends and needs) to support the industry.