Vietnamese Film Industry Continues to Demonstrate Significant Growth in 2025
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- 20 Jan 2025
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Building on the successes of 2024, the Vietnamese film industry is poised for continued growth in 2025, marked by increased collaboration among production companies and a robust filmmaking community ready to tackle upcoming challenges.
A notable trend in the industry is the growing collaboration among production companies, which fosters a more interconnected filmmaking community. This cooperative spirit is essential for navigating the complexities of the film market and enhancing the overall quality of productions. As filmmakers unite, they can share resources, knowledge, and strategies to address the challenges that lie ahead.
As part of the annual tradition, the film series Lat Mat (Face Off) will be screened during the April 30 and May Day holidays, marking its eighth installment. Director Ly Hai expressed modest ambitions for the film, stating, "I don't dare to make any grand promises; I simply hope the film resonates with audiences." This installment promises a unique blend of genres, incorporating family drama, action, humor, and music, with music comprising approximately 30 percent of the film's overall composition.
In April, the film Dia Dao - Mat Troi Trong Bong Toi (Tunnels: The Sun in the Dark) premiered, directed by Bui Thac Chuyen. This significant cinematic endeavor commemorates the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of Vietnam. Set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War in 1967, the film follows a 21-member guerrilla team led by Bay Theo as they undertake a perilous mission to protect a newly arrived strategic intelligence group amidst relentless US military operations.
Additionally, February saw the introduction of two new films following the Tet movie season: Den Am Hon (Soul Lamp), directed by Hoang Nam, and Nha Gia Tien (Ancestral House), directed by Huynh Lap. Both films explore spiritual life and the nuances of Vietnamese culture, aiming to promote traditional values.
In early March, two more films are set to premiere. One, directed by Bao Nhan and Namcito, draws inspiration from the contemporary phenomenon of livestreaming, highlighting themes of simplicity, sincerity, and kindness. The other, directed by Pom Nguyen, delves into spiritual horror, focusing on a village known for its burial practices.
Despite the successes of 2024, the Vietnamese film industry faces several challenges in 2025. A significant concern is the increase in VAT from 5 percent to 10 percent, which will directly impact production costs and ticket prices. Director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh emphasized the need for entertainment companies to devise effective strategies to mitigate these impacts, such as potentially raising ticket prices. However, he cautioned that excessive price increases could deter audiences from attending films.
The appeal for investment in film production may also be affected, as films are often viewed as high-risk investments. Production companies worry that potential investors may prefer more conventional and secure investment avenues over the uncertainties of the film sector.
Amid these challenges, there are positive signals in the industry, particularly the consensus and cooperation among production units to minimize risks. This trend, which has been developing over the past few years, is expected to remain dominant in 2025. Director Nguyen Phan Quang Binh highlighted the importance of adaptation and collaboration among filmmakers during difficult times, stating, "The greater the difficulty, the more essential it becomes for industry players to unite and chart a course for cinema’s future. This challenging period is also an opportunity for greater cooperation among stakeholders."
The Vietnamese film industry is on a trajectory of growth in 2025, characterized by collaboration, innovative storytelling, and a commitment to cultural representation. While challenges such as increased taxation and investment hesitancy loom, the industry's resilience and cooperative spirit offer a hopeful outlook for the future. As filmmakers continue to adapt and work together, the Vietnamese film sector is well-positioned to thrive and captivate audiences both domestically and internationally.
