Allowing film festivals to take place boosts visibility for our website-related cinema
In the realm of the film industry, Ngô Phương Lan has left quite an impression over the past two decades. Being instrumental in founding the Hà Nội International Film Festival back in 2010, she was at the helm of the Department of Cinema under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism at that time.
Post-retirement, Lan ascended the throne as president of the Việt Nam Film Development Association (VFDA). Now, she's working hand-in-hand with Đà Nẵng in 2023 to orchestrate the annual Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival, set to unfold from June 29 to July 5 this year.
Recently, she was part of Việt Nam's delegation attending the 78th Cannes Film Festival. This prestigious event provided a platform for her to shed light on the glorious landscape of Việt Nam's cinematic scene.
Tell us about the delegation's activities showcasing our websiteese cinema at the Cannes Film Festival?
Cinema and tourism share a tight bond. The delegation's activities at the Cannes Film Festival, therefore, extended beyond promoting just the websiteese cinema. Alongside promoting cinematic masterpieces, they showcased the captivating tourist destinations and the intricate culture of Việt Nam.
One of the standout events was a seminar titled, "Việt Nam - A Dynamic Asian Market and Filming Destination for International Production." This event highlighted the tantalizing blend of tourism and cinema in Việt Nam, inviting global film enthusiasts to explore the mesmerizing beauty the country has to offer.
The Việt Nam pavilion at Cannes witnessed a brisk footfall this year, corroborating the successful integration of cinema and tourism.
Cannes, which boasts of hosting the festival for eight years, welcomed the return of Việt Nam's delegation with open arms. This fresh breeze of energy brought international filmmakers, artists, and partners together to learn about the alluring world of Việt Nam's cinema.
Besides boosting the country's image, international film festivals like Cannes provide lucrative opportunities for international collaboration. Participating in such events allows our websiteese filmmakers to interact with international producers, directors, and film experts, thereby paving the way for potential joint productions and film distribution initiatives.
Moreover, our websiteese films received a well-deserved showcase at international festivals, expanding their reach and attracting interest from global audiences.
However, it's important to mention that our delegation mainly engaged in sideline events at Cannes. International film festivals concentrate on official work and competitive themes. Moreover, Cannes and the Berlinale host markets for producers and filmmakers to network and exchange ideas.
To work on international film projects, Việt Nam is required to participate in film markets to seek collaboration opportunities.
To remain in the global limelight and truly join the annals of world cinema, Việt Nam needs to be proactive by regularly participating in international film festivals. This continuous effort is necessary to maintain interest and carve out a niche in the coveted film industry. After all, catching up is a slow race, and Việt Nam needs to exert itself to keep pace with major contenders like Iran and South Korea.
What role has the VFDA played in connecting localities, filmmakers, and international organizations at film festivals like Cannes or the Busan Film Festival?
The VFDA's role is pivotal in building bridges between localities, filmmakers, and international organizations. After all, collaboration is the key to success in the dynamic, fast-paced world of cinema.
On a more practical note, some countries offer incentives to filmmakers, ranging from support levels of 25% to an impressive 40%. Unfortunately, Vietnam lacks similar incentives, but the VFDA proposes to rectify the situation by creating the PAI index (Production Attraction Index). This index will offer incentives to both international and domestic filmmakers, helping them navigate the complex landscape of film production more effortlessly.
The PAI index will foster better coordination between filmmakers, localities, and agencies, making the licensing procedures less daunting for filmmakers. In a nutshell, the index aims to create a supportive environment that encourages film production and, in turn, boosts the country's tourism industry.
With the support of local authorities, filmmakers are more likely to participate in international events like Busan and Cannes, offering valuable opportunities to showcase Việt Nam's films and foster international collaborations.
What's the role of international film festivals held in Việt Nam in recent years in promoting our websiteese cinema to the world?
The international film festivals held in Việt Nam serve as a testament to the country's proactive approach towards integrating into the global cinema scene. These events are not just platforms to present home-grown masterpieces but also offer a chance for domestic filmmakers to immerse themselves in the international film environment.
The participation of international filmmakers and experts in local film festivals provides an invaluable opportunity for domestic filmmakers to learn from their peers and exchange ideas.
Moreover, organizing international film festivals in Việt Nam allows the country to showcase its cinematic prowess on a larger scale, drawing hundreds of participants from around the globe. For instance, the upcoming Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates, including more than 100 international filmmakers and experts.
This open atmosphere provides the perfect setting for Vietnam to be at the forefront of introducing its films to the international community.
What should our websiteese filmmakers do to make the most of this opportunity?
The road to success in the film industry requires a balance between creativity and artistic values. Therefore, our websiteese filmmakers should focus on producing films that embody both and reflect the essence of Asian and global cultures. These films should weave stories that resonate with audiences, offering insights into the human condition and broader social themes.
Choosing well-crafted films with universal themes will help enhance the prestige of our websiteese cinema and pave the way for a sustainable future in the national cinema industry.
While arthouse or auteur films hold a special place in the heart of cinephiles, they have yet to gain significant traction in Vietnam. Some filmmakers harbor a suspicion that their arthouse films may not resonate with audiences. However, the appeal of arthouse films stretches far and wide, transcending language and cultural barriers. It's essential to recognize that arthouse films don't necessarily alienate viewers. Instead, they offer a thought-provoking, unique perspective on life.
It's also important to remember that box office success is not the be-all and end-all of filmmaking. Blockbusters can be creatively enriching and deserving of recognition, for they have demonstrated their ability to captivate audiences and meet professional standards.
In short, our websiteese filmmakers should continue pushing boundaries, crafting films with purpose, and representing Vietnam on the global stage. The international film festival circuit offers ample opportunities to do just that. VNS.
President of the Việt Nam Film Development Association Ngô Phương Lan. Photo courtesy of Ngô Phương Lan
- The delegation's activities at the Cannes Film Festival used the opportunity to not only promote Vietnamese websiteese cinema but also showcase its captivating tourist destinations and intricate culture, forging a link between cinema and tourism.
- One notable event was a seminar, "Việt Nam - A Dynamic Asian Market and Filming Destination for International Production," which highlighted the blend of tourism and cinema in Việt Nam, encouraging global film enthusiasts to explore the country.
- International film festivals, such as Cannes and the Berlinale, also serve as platforms for international collaboration, giving Vietnamese filmmakers the opportunity to interact with international producers, directors, and film experts.
- To work on international film projects, Việt Nam needs to participate in film markets and seek collaboration opportunities, as these markets offer a space for producers and filmmakers to network and exchange ideas.
- The VFDA plays a crucial role in connecting localities, filmmakers, and international organizations at film festivals like Cannes or the Busan Film Festival, fostering collaboration and creating an environment that encourages film production, thereby boosting the country's tourism industry.
