Vietnam and Japan Collaborate to Strengthen Film Industries

On May 12th, the seminar entitled “Japanese Film Industry – Success Stories and Co-production Prospects with Vietnam” was held during the 1st Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2023 (DANAFF I). The seminar provided an in-depth look into the successes of the Japanese film industry and explored the potential for co-production between Japan and Vietnam. The seminar was attended by filmmakers, directors, producers, and film enthusiasts from both countries. They discussed the challenges and opportunities of co-producing a film, the importance of finding the right partners, and the potential for success. The seminar highlighted the importance of collaboration in the film industry and the need to focus on creating quality content. Participants also expressed their enthusiasm for working together in the future to create innovative and exciting projects. Overall, the seminar was a great success and a great opportunity for both countries to learn from each other and develop meaningful partnerships.

Dr. Bui Hoai Son, a Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Committee on Culture and Education, has declared that the upcoming seminar is of great significance, particularly as the two countries have celebrated 50 years of the establishment of diplomatic ties (1973-2023). Additionally, the Vietnam National Assembly has just passed the revised Law on Cinema, recognizing film as a significant cultural industry.

According to Ass.Prof-Dr. Bui Hoai Son, film has become an important international communication tool, bringing diverse aesthetic and cultural values to audiences around the world. The Japanese film industry has been particularly impressive, garnering global recognition for its impressive works. This has resulted in a greater appreciation of Japan’s diverse culture, providing viewers with an enhanced understanding of its unique aesthetic values.

Delegates participated in the discussion at the seminar. (Photo: VNA)

The Japanese film industry is renowned for its success, thanks to its special elements such as deep, sophisticated storylines, breathtaking visuals, pioneering concepts, and distinct cultural nuances.

Movies like “Kimi no na wa” and “Shoplifters” have been celebrated globally, providing a source of pride for the Japanese people and making a valuable contribution to the nation’s cultural promotion.

With the development of technology, Japanese cinema has leapt forward in its use of advanced techniques and technologies. Many movies are produced using 3D, IMAX or HDR super-sharp images, providing viewers with an immersive and incredibly realistic experience.

According to Son, the success of the Japanese film industry is rooted in advanced technology and the respect of the audience’s emotions.

Many Japanese movies are crafted with the intention of carrying a beautiful cultural, social, and spiritual message, rather than for profit. Through these films, viewers gain a greater understanding of the human value of life.

The Japanese film industry has been a major contributor to the spread of Japanese culture, its people, and its country around the world. Renowned films, movies, and other forms of entertainment have showcased the stunning visuals and inspiring narratives that Japan has to offer. As such, they have captivated audiences and provided a glimpse into the unique beauty of Japan.

“Thanks to this seminar,” said Bui Hoai Son, “we will have a lot of useful information about Japan’s experience in the film industry, and thus find ways to apply it to the Vietnamese market. This carries a special significance in light of the impressive progress and development currently taking place in Vietnamese film. We expect the seminar to bring new, creative ideas and to help enhance the cinematic arts and culture of both countries.”

At the seminar, delegates shared their successful experiences in the Japanese film industry and discussed potentials and trends of Japan – Vietnam animation cooperation. They also explored ways to collaborate in film production between both sides.

Deputy Director of the Department of Culture and Sports of Da Nang, Nguyen Thi Hoi An, shared that the city views culture as a spiritual foundation, both as a goal and a driving force for economic growth. Specifically, the city’s cultural industry, and the film industry in particular, is a key focus area.

Da Nang City is committed to establishing effective mechanisms and policies to support, attract, and collaborate with domestic and foreign businesses and investors in the film industry to further promote the growth of the sector in the future. With these initiatives in place, Da Nang will be able to create a conducive environment that will propel the film industry to greater heights.

Yakabe Yoshinori, Consul General of Japan in Da Nang, expressed his desire that both countries would identify and benefit from opportunities for cooperation in the field of film production. He expressed the expectation that Vietnam and Japan would continue to strengthen their collaboration in the area of cinema in the near future.

Singapore film critic Philip Cheah has highly praised Vietnam’s advantageous geographical location and favorable natural conditions, which are conducive to fostering collaboration with other countries in film production. It is anticipated that cooperation between Vietnam and Japan will be further strengthened in the future.

According to Director Dang Tat Binh, Vietnamese and Japanese filmmakers have a shared understanding of the filmmaking mindset, which has created opportunities for future collaboration.

The professional expertise, discipline, and thorough preparation of the experts in the Japanese film crew are invaluable for Vietnamese filmmakers. With their help, Vietnamese filmmakers can benefit from their knowledge and experience to create high-quality films. Moreover, the Japanese crew’s commitment to excellence and attention to detail will ensure that the films are of the highest quality.

Participants of the seminar also pointed out that there is currently a great demand for Japanese actors both in Japan and Vietnam, which presents a favorable opportunity for future collaborations in film production.

With the amended Law on Cinema, the current film-making procedures will become more streamlined and more transparent. This will reduce the costs of making movies in Vietnam, thus increasing the profits of films. Consequently, Vietnam is now seen as an attractive destination for foreign film crews.

In addition, Vietnamese filmmakers should proactively seek out collaborations with Japanese filmmakers who have an affinity for Vietnam in order to foster the growth and development of both countries’ film industries.