Before the delegation of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism launched a program to promote Vietnamese tourism and cinema in the US with the theme "Vietnam - New destination of world cinema", in Vietnam - on September 22, a seminar with a similar theme was also held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
During the discussion, Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association, gave a piece of information that made many people ponder: Every year, Thailand attracts about 100 large and small film crews from all over the world, while Vietnam only welcomes less than 10 crews.
This situation is not exactly new, but the number makes many responsible people startled and reconsider their strategies.
We cannot deny the vivid evidence that international films have helped promote Vietnam's image and tourism to the world. The film "Indochina" (1992) is a typical example.
After just a few scenes, Tam Coc - Bich Dong in Ninh Binh has become an attractive destination for international tourists, bringing about a clear change in the structure of tourists.
Or Quang Binh is now an attractive and worth-experiencing tourist destination in Vietnam thanks to domestic and foreign film studios coming to survey the scene and develop a number of outstanding films and music videos such as "Good Morning America"; "Kong: Skull Island"; "Alone Pt II" by DJ Alan Walker; part 6 of "Planet Earth III - Extremes"; "Immortal"...
However, despite having a beautiful natural setting that is not inferior to any country in the region, Vietnam is still facing many barriers when it comes to attracting international filmmakers.
Speaking at the Vietnam tourism and cinema promotion program in the US on September 25, Mr. Nicholas Simon, General Director of Indochina Productions, said that in order for Vietnam to become more attractive, first of all, there needs to be policy changes from the Cinema Law, to create more favorable conditions and incentives for film producers.
He emphasized that reducing costs, simplifying licensing procedures and creating a clear legal corridor are important factors for international film crews to choose Vietnam as a destination.
Recently, Vietnam has made positive moves in removing legal barriers, such as reducing from 11 to 5 administrative procedures, shortening the time to process documents to 20 days, only 2/3 of the previous time.
These are welcome reforms and a positive sign that Vietnam is gradually opening its doors to foreign film crews.
In particular, at the program to promote Vietnamese tourism and cinema in the US, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ho An Phong made a strong commitment: "We are working hard to simplify film licenses, provide tax incentives and necessary support to ensure that the filmmakers' experience here is smooth and successful.
All these commitments bring hope that in the near future, the goal of “Vietnam - New destination of world cinema” will not be a wish, but a completely feasible goal - if we know how to take advantage of the opportunity and proceed properly!
