 |
| The inaugural Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival in April 2024 was a landmark event. This year, the city has applied to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a film hub, showcasing its dedication to the art. |
Ho Chi Minh City is committed to developing its film industry, and this includes creating new filming locations, as shared by Nguyen Thi Thanh Thuy, Deputy Director of the City’s Department of Culture and Information.
Thuy proposes constructing modern studios in rural districts, equipped with the latest filming technology, which can also double as tourist attractions. One potential site is a 300-hectare plot in the Ethnic Culture and History Park in Thu Duc city.
With 52 cinema complexes, the city accounts for 40% of Vietnam’s cinema market. The industry is projected to grow at a rate of 12% annually from 2025, reaching a value of over 500 million USD.
Despite hosting productions for major films and TV shows, the city lacks adequate studios to realize its vision of becoming a “film city.” Currently, most studios are small and primarily cater to TV series, music videos, commercials, and game shows.
The Hoa Phu Studio, operated by Ho Chi Minh City Television Station (HTV), spans 49.5 hectares in Cu Chi district. It offers both indoor and outdoor filming options and accommodates various movie themes. It is also a cultural hub for music, film screenings, fashion shows, and more.
Another notable studio is Green Media, a private venture in Binh Chanh district. Built with a $640,000 investment, it offers 6,000 sq. m of sound stages, production areas, and backlots for outdoor scenes.
“Our studio has a range of sets, from houses and ships to fields and urban settings, catering to diverse filming needs,” shared Lady Phuong Thuy, Executive Director of Green Media.
The development of new film studios is part of a larger project, “Ho Chi Minh City’s Cultural Industry Development 2020-2025,” approved by the municipal authorities. This project includes building a film production center with pre- and post-production services and a cinema museum to showcase Vietnamese film history.
“We are confident that new policies will boost the city’s film industry,” affirmed Thanh Thuy. “We are dedicated to supporting local entertainment agencies, studios, producers, directors, and actors in their endeavors.”
The Ultimate Baguette Extravaganza: 180 Stalls of Pure Bliss
The third annual Vietnamese Bánh mì Festival is back and better than ever! This year, we’re transforming Ho Chi Minh City into a baguette lover’s paradise from March 21 to 24. With up to 180 booths showcasing the very best of this iconic Vietnamese-French fusion delicacy, and a special buffet party dedicated to all things baguette, you’re in for a tasty treat!
The Beauty of Vietnam: A South American Perspective
“The enchanting nation of Vietnam has captured the attention of Argentine and Uruguayan media outlets. Recent articles, enriched with captivating imagery, showcase the breathtaking landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm-hearted people of this magnificent country. Through their lenses, readers are transported to a world where natural beauty intertwines seamlessly with a rich cultural heritage, leaving them yearning to explore Vietnam’s captivating terrains and experience its unique charm.”
Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City: A Strong Start to 2023 with Over $2.41 Billion Received in the First Quarter
Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City exhibited robust growth in the first quarter of 2025, surpassing 2.41 billion USD. This impressive performance accounted for a substantial 25.3% of the total remittances for the entire year of 2024, reflecting a notable 19.6% increase compared to the preceding quarter.
The Tech Titans Flock to Ho Chi Minh City: Unveiling the FDI Resurgence
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Ho Chi Minh City is on the rise again, with a wave of new investments from prominent high-tech companies. The southern hub has witnessed a rebound in FDI inflows, attributed to its enhanced investment climate, which has attracted the attention of major players in the tech industry. This resurgence signifies a promising future for the city, as it cements its position as a desirable destination for foreign investments in the high-tech sector.
National Reading Day: Igniting Vietnam’s Intellectual Revolution for the Modern Era
THE HANOI TIMES — The Vietnam Book and Reading Culture Day, a nationwide event, returns for its fourth edition in 2025 with an engaging lineup of activities. Running from April 15 to May 2, the event embraces the theme “Reading Culture – Connecting the Community,” underscoring the significance of books in fostering national growth, enriching […]
