Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Duong Anh Duc, said that the activities of international film festivals are expected to attract investment in the film industry in particular and the cultural industry in general, contributing to the economic growth of the city.
Ho Chi Minh City is also hoped to become a filmmaking destination for domestic and international film crews to form a Film City and to be recognised as a member of UNESCO’s network of creative cities.
The film industry is identified as one of the eight key cultural industries in the city, with an average growth rate of about 12% per year and a total revenue of over 5 trillion VND (200 million USD).
The festival sees the participation of about 200 famous filmmakers, directors, and actors from home and abroad, such as legendary Japanese director Kore-eda Hirokazu, Vietnamese American film editor Tom Cross, Director Oliver Pere, and others.
A wide range of sideline activities with the participation of international artists and visitors will be held during the festival, including a gala film screening, training courses conducted by directors, actors, producers, and experts in the field, a food fair, a film industry exhibition, seminars on film development, and so on.
The event will run until April 13.
