Films
Literature
Music
Cuisine
Design
Handicrafts and folk arts
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
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.
2023
HCMC was nominated for “Asia’s Leading Business Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination” at the 2023 World Travel Awards.
Early 2025
Issue the Project "Strategy for developing Ho Chi Minh City's cultural industry to 2030" with 8 key areas, including cinema.
15/02/2025
The Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Ho Chi Minh City organized an international workshop to consult domestic and foreign experts to complete the application for joining UCCN.
03/03/2025
HCMC was nominated for “Asia’s Leading Business Destination” and “Asia’s Leading Festival & Event Destination” at the 2023 World Travel Awards.
End of 2025
It is expected that Ho Chi Minh City will be officially recognized by UNESCO as the first film city of Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Initiatives and projects for film development
Local Initiative
CINEMA IN SCHOOL
Enhancing artistic appreciation, aesthetic taste, and creativity for the young generation.
Discovering, training, and nurturing young talents in the field of cinema, building the next generation of artists and audiences.
PROJECT "THE COLORS OF LIFE THROUGH CINEMA"
Conveying multi-dimensional stories about life, people, and the rich culture of Ho Chi Minh City.
Creating equal opportunities for all social groups—especially underrepresented communities—to access the arts; connecting communities through cinema.
BUILDING CREATIVE CINEMA SPACES
Establishing a Cinema-themed Park at Saigon Riverside Park to create spaces for connection and creativity.
Renovating and developing a creative arts and cinema space at 25 Lê Quý Đôn Street, District 3 (2,800 m²).
International Connection Initiative
ASIAN CITIES NETWORK FORUM
Create a platform for professional exchange and interaction among filmmakers, screenwriters, producers, and cinema experts from Vietnam and across Asia.
Organized in diverse and dynamic formats.
ORGANIZATION OF THE ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Aiming to meet international standards and professionalism; honoring films with unique, creative, and humanistic values; seeking investment for young talent projects.
Activities include: Premieres of new films; Project Market and Vietnam Script Incubator; Festivals and Award Ceremonies, etc.
FORMATION OF CINEMA DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT CENTER
Connecting with advisory hubs and administrative support for filmmakers coming to Ho Chi Minh City.
Building a cinema database (analyzing audience insights, trends, and demands) to support the industry.