(TITC) – On 10th March, Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung had a meeting with Hollywood directors and film producers regarding a new film project.
Overview of the meeting (Photo: TITC)
On the Vietnamese side, attendees included MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong; Chairman of the Viet Nam National Authority of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh; Director of the Department of Cinema Dang Tran Cuong; Director of the Department of International Cooperation Nguyen Phuong Hoa; Deputy Director of the Department of International Cooperation Tran Nhat Hoang; Deputy Director of Hải Phòng’s Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism Vu Huy Thuong; leaders from Hanoi Tourism Corporation (Hanoitourist); Oxalis Adventure; and representatives from various tourism and travel enterprises.
On the Hollywood side, the delegation included Ms. Rose Lam, Global Executive Producer of Riot Studios (Riot Games), and Mr. Nicholas Simon, CEO and Producer of Indochina Productions.
Strengthening Film Industry Cooperation Between Vietnam and the U.S.
MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung speaking at the meeting (Photo: TITC)
Welcoming the Hollywood filmmaking team, MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung emphasized the significance of the meeting as an important milestone in future Vietnam-U.S. film cooperation. He noted that 2023 marked the 30th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations between the two nations, and the recent elevation of their relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership has further deepened bilateral cooperation in culture, sports, and tourism.
MOCST’s Deputy Minister Ho An Phong at the meeting (Photo: TITC)
Vietnam has adopted open policies and actively promoted people-to-people exchanges and tourism cooperation with the U.S. As a result, the number of American tourists visiting Vietnam, as well as Vietnamese tourists traveling to the U.S., has steadily increased. The U.S. is now one of Vietnam’s top inbound tourism markets. MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung praised the strong collaboration between the two countries in policy communication, destination promotion, and cultural diplomacy to foster mutual understanding.
VNAT’s Chairman Nguyen Trung Khanh at the meeting (Photo: TITC)
In 2024, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism launched the first-ever Vietnam Tourism & Film Promotion Program in the U.S. With the active cooperation of American partners, this initiative has significantly contributed to the development of the film industry and the promotion of tourism in both countries.
MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung also highlighted Vietnam’s reputation as an attractive destination for international tourists, as recognized by numerous prestigious global tourism awards.
“Vietnam’s breathtaking natural landscapes serve as inspiration for poetry, music, painting, and cinema. The Vietnamese people are friendly, warm, and welcoming. Leveraging these advantages, Vietnam has proactively collaborated with other countries to develop its film industry. Cinema has also become an important contributor to the national GDP,” the Minister stated.
He cited Kong: Skull Island as a prime example of a Hollywood blockbuster filmed in Vietnam. The movie gained widespread international recognition and significantly boosted Vietnam’s tourism industry, making it a shining example of cinematic cooperation between the two nations.
Hollywood’s Interest in Filming in Cát Bà
Ms. Rose Lam, Global Executive Producer of Riot Studios speaking at the meeting (Photo: TITC)
Ms. Rose Lam, Global Executive Producer of Riot Studios, expressed her gratitude for the warm reception from the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. She introduced Riot Games as a multinational video game developer and publisher known for hit titles and global esports tournaments. League of Legends, one of its flagship games, has attracted 650 million players worldwide.
Riot Studios is currently planning a new film project. After scouting locations in Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, the team determined that Cát Bà Archipelago (Hải Phòng) was the most ideal and feasible filming location. Ms. Lam expressed her hope that the Ministry and local authorities would provide support and favorable conditions for the production team to execute the project smoothly. She also highlighted the potential for the film to promote Vietnam’s tourism industry to a global audience.
Mr. Nicholas Simon, CEO and Producer of Indochina Productions speaking at the meeting (Photo: TITC)
During the meeting, the Hollywood team presented their project ideas and production plans for filming in Cát Bà, engaging in detailed discussions with Vietnamese officials.
Mr. Nicholas Simon, CEO and Producer of Indochina Productions, expressed optimism about further discussions on Vietnam’s film regulations and the practical aspects of the project. He emphasized that filming and premiering this movie in Hải Phòng would be an excellent opportunity to showcase Vietnam to the world.
According to Mr. Simon, Vietnam consistently ranks as a top choice for international travelers and filmmakers. Given Riot Games’ extensive global audience, a film shot in Vietnam would generate significant positive attention for both countries.
Vietnam’s Commitment to Sustainable Filmmaking
MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung reaffirmed Vietnam’s willingness to enhance collaboration with U.S. partners in film and tourism while ensuring compliance with national laws. He emphasized the importance of mutual benefits and shared responsibilities in the filmmaking process.
MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung gifting souvenir to Ms. Rose Lam (Photo: TITC)
Leaders and delegates of both sides taking souvenir photo (Photo: TITC)
The Minister also urged the Hollywood team to carefully study Vietnam’s Cinema Law to ensure the film meets both Vietnamese and international cinematic standards while avoiding inappropriate or culturally insensitive content.
Additionally, he stressed Vietnam’s strong commitment to environmental conservation and heritage protection. Since the proposed filming locations include areas designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, he emphasized the priority of preserving the environment, marine ecosystems, and cultural heritage.
“Vietnam’s stance is clear: we will not compromise environmental sustainability for economic gain,” MOCST’s Minister Nguyen Van Hung concluded.
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