The discussion focused primarily on copyright, distribution mechanisms, and ways to maximise the value of archived film materials.
According to Le Thi Ha, Director of the VFI, the institute is currently preserving more than 20,000 film titles, along with tens of thousands of documentary video tapes.
This archive includes an invaluable archive of Viet Nam’s classic films as well as rare documentaries reflecting various stages of the nation’s history, particularly during the two resistance wars for national liberation, independence, reunification, and the protection of national sovereignty. Among these materials are also many precious documents on the revolutionary activities of President Ho Chi Minh and senior leaders of the Party and State.
In her speech, Le Thi Ha also emphasised the role and responsibility of the VFI and relevant bodies in promoting the value of film archives, introducing Vietnamese cinema to the world, and the to establish mechanisms to achieve this.
In her presentation, Dr Ngo Dang Tra My, Deputy Director of the VFI, noted that moving-image materials constitute a significant part of audiovisual documentation and cultural heritage. They also serve as evidence and as a foundation for recording national history and civilisational development, supporting teaching, research, and journalistic work.
Evaluating contemporary Vietnamese film heritage at the seminar, Dr Ngo Phuong Lan, former Director of the Cinema Department and President of the Viet Nam Association for the Promotion and Development of Cinema, emphasised: “We should encourage the remaking of classic films, adaptations, or sequels. Many countries have already done this extensively. Building on the recent success of “Mua do” (Red Rain), we should further develop and strengthen historical–revolutionary cinema, post-war, and Doi Moi (renewal)–era films. With virtual reality technology, we can even create interactive films.”
