This event, part of a series of diplomatic and cultural activities to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations (1995-2025), drew the participation of scholars from the Harvard University, Columbia University, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), filmmakers, businesses in the film industry, as well as experts in digital technology and artificial intelligence (AI) from both Vietnam and the US.
In his opening speech, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Vietnamese Permanent Representative to the UN, affirmed that cinema plays a vital role as a cultural bridge, helping the two peoples become closer and understand each other over the 30 years of normalisation, development, and enhancement of bilateral relations.
He appreciated the contributions of American-Vietnamese directors as well as young Vietnamese filmmakers trained in the US who, upon returning to Vietnam, brought with them valuable knowledge and expertise from the world’s leading film industry, to create Vietnamese cinematic works with international significance.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the VFDA, highlighted the core values of Vietnamese cinema, such as humanity, compassion, sacrifice, and selflessness, which are clearly reflected in classic works like “Canh dong hoang” (The Abandoned Field: Fire Free Zone) and “Bao gio cho den thang Muoi” (When the Tenth Month Comes).
Lan shared the strong development of Vietnamese cinema in recent years and introduced new policies and regulations that are increasingly favourable for international filmmakers to collaborate and work in the country.
In the digital age and with the rapid development of AI, Vietnamese cinema faces both opportunities and challenges, she stated, adding that while AI can assist and replace humans in many processes, it cannot replace the emotions and the depths of humanity that individuals bring to cinematic works.
Participants discussed opportunities and measures to strengthen cooperation between Vietnam and the US in the field of cinema, as well as the impact of AI on the film industry today and in the future.
On this occasion, both sides announced several initiatives to promote cooperation and connect the cinema industries of the two countries, including the establishment of the Vietnam-US film development friends group and a plan to create an AI World Society (AIWS) Film Park.
