On September 25 (US time), the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism organized a program to promote Vietnamese tourism and cinema in the US with the theme "Vietnam - New Destination of World Cinema" at the DGA Theater Complex, Los Angeles, California.
The main highlight of the Program is the Workshop introducing Vietnam's tourism and cinema potential, thereby introducing the beauty of Vietnam; beautiful films shot in Vietnam. At the same time, introducing Vietnam's mechanisms and policies to facilitate international filmmakers; specific support and incentive commitments of localities and businesses to attract Hollywood filmmakers.
Speaking at the program, Deputy Minister Ho An Phong said: "The Vietnam Tourism - Cinema Promotion Program in the United States is organized to introduce and promote tourist destinations, potential filming locations, attract Hollywood film studios to Vietnam to film films with great appeal, capable of creating international media effects, promoting and attracting tourists to Vietnam".
The Deputy Minister acknowledged that Vietnam has beautiful landscapes suitable for film settings; a talented and growing creative team in the film industry; professionals willing to collaborate on international film productions, providing expertise in all areas, from production design to post-production; and Vietnam's affordable prices and supporting infrastructure make it a cost-effective yet high-quality location for film projects...
“We are working to simplify film permits, provide tax incentives and provide the necessary support to ensure filmmakers’ experience here is seamless and successful,” said Deputy Minister Ho An Phong.
The Deputy Minister commented that Vietnam is not only a great filming location, but also has a unique culture and is always eager to share its story with the world. Cinema will be a great channel to help promote Vietnam to the world and promote tourism development.
Commenting that Vietnam's economy is developing very quickly, there will be many conditions for cinema and tourism to develop in the coming time. However, the director of the film "The Quiet American" Phillip Noyce also emphasized the need for policies to support film crews.
At the same time, train professional film human resources, create an open film production environment, and enhance competitiveness in film and tourism with countries in the region.
Mr. Nicholas Simon, General Director of Indochina Productions, said that Vietnam has a lot of potential to become a film studio, many places can be used as backdrops for filming scenes such as: Ha Long, Hoi An, Hanoi. There are even many very special places that have never appeared in movies.
Vietnamese people are very hospitable, the working environment is pleasant. The agreements signed between filmmakers and localities, associations, tourism and aviation businesses today will open up new opportunities and increase the competitiveness of Vietnamese tourism and cinema in the region.
To promote the development of cinema and attract filmmakers, according to Mr. Simon, first of all, the Cinema Law must create preferential policies to make Vietnam an attractive destination. From there, reduce costs for filmmakers, the readiness of the Government, create an open corridor, easy licensing, and reduce administrative procedures.
According to Mr. Nicholas Simon, every year there are many advertising programs of Hollywood and brands in Vietnam. And these programs also contribute strongly to tourism development.
“Ninh Binh is a typical example of the impact of cinema on tourism, contributing to the development of tourism in Vietnam. White Lotus is a famous program in the United States. If programs like White Lotus come to Vietnam, it will create a big buzz,” said Mr. Nicholas Simon.
“A Tourist's Guide to Love” producer Joel Rice shared: “I had a very interesting filming experience when making this film in Vietnam. Everywhere I went, everything I filmed was very supportive. That journey of making the film left a great impression. Vietnam is a very beautiful country.”
However, according to him, there is currently not much information about Vietnam as a destination for filmmakers. Meanwhile, there are many filmmakers who want to come to Vietnam to film.
“I think Vietnam should consider tax reduction for foreign filmmakers and create more promotion programs like this to attract filmmakers, creating broad access to international filmmakers,” said Mr. Joel Rice.
Right at the Program, many memorandums of understanding on cooperation in tourism and cinema between relevant agencies, localities, Vietnamese enterprises and American partners were signed.
In addition, the Space to introduce the country, people and culture of Vietnam has displayed nearly 100 photos by photographer Tran Tuan Viet depicting nature, landscape, history, culture, UNESCO heritage, Vietnamese people; destinations, products, tourism services; potential film backgrounds. Photographer Tran Tuan Viet said that he has taken these photos in the past 10 years in all regions of Vietnam.
