(TITC) - In the framework of the Vietnam Tourism and Cinema Promotion Programme in the US, on 25th September 2024 (local time), at the DGA Theater Complex, Los Angeles, USA, the Vietnamese Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST) organised the Conference on Destination Vietnam - A New Filmmaking Frontier to introduce the potential of tourism and cinema of Vietnam. This is a key event in the working trip to the United States of the Vietnamese delegation.
Leaders and delegates attending the Conference (Photo: TITC)
The Conference welcomed a large number of delegates, distinguished guests from the US, leaders of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MOCST); Vietnam National Authority of Tourism (VNAT); Consulate General of Vietnam in San Francisco; directors, film producers; corporations, travel and accommodation businesses, entertainment complexes, airlines, KOLs, press and media from Vietnam and the US side…
The Conference welcomed a large number of delegates, distinguished guests from the US (Photo: TITC)
The programme is a highlight of the MOCST’s working trip to the US in 2024, promoting the image of the country, people, culture and tourism of Vietnam through cinema in the US; introducing Vietnam as, not only an ideal destination for tourists but also an attractive destination for the world's leading filmmakers, film directors and actors, opening up many opportunities for cooperation between filmmakers and tourism businesses, in order to exploit the maximum potential of the two fields of tourism and cinema.
Remarkably, the programme is also to celebrate One-Year Anniversary of the United States of America-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2024) and the 30th anniversary of Vietnam - United States of America normalisation of relations (2025), contributing to the development of bilateral relations between the two countries, mutual understanding between the peoples of two countries, for peace, stability, cooperation and sustainable development in the region and the world.
Vietnam - a potential filmmaking frontier of the world cinema
Speaking at the Conference, MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong stated, in an age where storytelling is becoming more global than ever, collaboration between Vietnamese and American studios offers limitless potential.
MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong speaking at the Conference (Photo: TITC)
The unique and diverse scenery of Vietnam offers a great background for filmmakers. From the dense woods and charming beaches, to the lively, vibrant cities imprint the culture and history, places such as Ha Long Bay, Hoi An Ancient Town, Ho Chi Minh City, have turned Vietnam into a cinematic destination, said MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong.
Additionally, Vietnam has talented experts who are always willing to cooperate with international works, supporting in all fields, from design to post production. “Vietnamese Government identifies Vietnam as the hub of international cinema, will simplify film permits, provide tax incentives, and provide essential support to ensure visitors’ experience in Vietnam is seamless. When you choose Vietnam, you not only get a great filming location, but you also seize the opportunity to interact with a culture that is always eager to share its story with the world”, addressed MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong.
Leaders and delegates at the Conference (Photo: TITC)
MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong declared, Vietnam is a beautiful country and movies will help promote Vietnam to the world and boost tourism development. He sent out the invitation to all US film crews to explore Vietnam as the next filming destination for blockbuster works and discover the magic that Vietnam can bring to cinematic vision.
Delegates at the Conference enjoyed the video clip showing off beautiful footage filmed in Vietnam; general introduction to Vietnam's mechanisms and policies to facilitate international filmmakers; specific support and incentive commitments from localities and businesses...
Hollywood shows readiness to choose Vietnam as an ideal filming location for "blockbuster" movies
At the discussion panel, representatives from film crews who chose Vietnam as the setting shared their experiences making films in Vietnam. Delegates highly appreciated the filming locations in Vietnam as well as the enthusiastic support of Vietnamese agencies, organisations and businesses that brought success to the films. They all showed the love for Vietnamese culture and people, and above all, the charming and beautiful Vietnam destination. Film producer The Challenge: USA Justin Booth desires to return to Vietnam as a visitor to travel the country and experience the differences of each region, “Everyone's experience is different but Vietnam is an ideal country to film and work in”, said Justin Booth.
Film producer of Netflix A Tourist guide to love Joel S.Rice shared, “A Tourist guide to love is our love story for Vietnam post the COVID-19 pandemic and the film received love and grace from the public and press. We want to film Vietnam and describe it as the favourite place that visitors always think about”. He also indicated, the film is an opportunity for the audience to see a truly glorious Vietnam. The work is to honour the beauty of Vietnam.
MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong and VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh presenting prizes to Lucky draw winners at the Conference (Photo: TITC)
At the Conference, leaders, delegates and guests witnessed the Signing Ceremony for seven Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between Vietnamese and U.S. partners. Delegates and guests also participated in the Lucky draw with various prizes from sponsorship Vinfast, Vietnam Airlines, Oxalis,...
Traditional Vietnamese art performances: water puppetry show and traditional instruments by Vietnam Puppetry Theatre took place to entertain delegates at the afterparty.
US delegates and guests taking souvenir at the Step and Repeat section (Photo: TITC)
Traditional Vietnamese art performances (Photo: TITC)
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