The discussion on the establishment of the AIWS Film Park in Việt Nam is one of the key topics at the Việt Nam-US Film Development Cooperation Roundtable on the subject of Artificial Intelligence and the 4.0 Revolution. Photo VFDA

BOSTON — The discussion on the establishment of the AIWS Film Park in Việt Nam was one of the key topics at the Việt Nam-US Film Development Cooperation Roundtable on the subject of Artificial Intelligence and the 4.0 Revolution.

The event took place on March 12, Việt Nam time, at Harvard University, in Boston.

It was organised by Việt Nam Film Development Association (VFDA) and the Boston Global Forum (BGF), as part of the series of activities celebrating the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Việt Nam and the US.

The event aims to strengthen the connection between the film industries of both countries, promote cooperation in film production, apply technology to cinema and develop high-quality human resources.

This project of of the AIWS Film Park is part of the Friends of Việt Nam-US Film Collaboration programme, an initiative for film cooperation between Việt Nam and the United States.

The AIWS Film Park initiative is aligned with the standards of the AI World Society (AIWS) and is expected to contribute to improving the quality of film production in Việt Nam while facilitating international film crews to come to Việt Nam for production and film distribution.

Its goal is to support filmmakers and investors from both sides in connecting resources and building a sustainable film ecosystem.

In addition to focusing on infrastructure development, the project also emphasises collaboration with prestigious universities in the US, such as Harvard, MIT, and UCLA, to implement AI-driven film education programmes, thereby helping enhance the quality of the workforce in the film industry.

Ngô Phương Lan, the chairwoman of VFDA, speaks at the event. Photo VFDA

Ngô Phương Lan, the chairwoman of VFDA, said the AIWS Film Park is a strategic initiative, serving as not only a film production centre but will also serve as an integrated AI technology-driven film ecosystem.

"This initiative contributes to making Việt Nam a creative film hub in the region and connects with leading film centres such as Boston, New York, Hollywood, Washington DC, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Venice, and London," she said.

Lan noted that while there is ongoing debate, AI indeed plays an important role in film production by helping save time, costs and resources.

However, she emphasised: “AI can only be an excellent assistant to support creativity, but it cannot replace humans in generating ideas, creating emotions, and imagination – the core elements that give life to cinematic art.”

At the event, international delegates also suggested that to realise this initiative, close cooperation between businesses, academia and international organisations is essential.

Former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis stated that the AIWS Film Park is a groundbreaking initiative that will help Việt Nam rise as a creative film hub, connecting with Boston, New York, Hollywood, and global markets.

Meg Montagnino, Director, Massachusetts Film Office at Commonwealth of Massachusetts, emphasised that simplifying production permitting process and establishing a clear support system would make Việt Nam a more attractive destination for international filmmakers.

"Việt Nam can learn from successful models like Massachusetts or South Africa, where they have developed attractive tax incentive policies and Hollywood-standard production infrastructure," she said.

Casting Director of Boston Casting, Angela Peri, said: "Việt Nam has great filming locations, but to compete with Hollywood or Toronto, the most essential thing is to train a professional workforce capable of meeting the high demands of major film producers."

Professor, Director Tony Bùi. Photo VFDA

Professor, Director Tony Bùi said: "In the past, producing large-scale films required enormous resources, but with AI, even independent filmmakers can create high-quality cinematic works.

"Việt Nam needs to embrace this trend, and AIWS park could become a centre to promote the smart filmmaking model."

One of the key highlights of the seminar was the official launch of the 'Việt Nam-US Film Development Friends' with the participation of top experts from Harvard, MIT, Boston Global Forum, along with many filmmakers and international investors.

Co-Chairman and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, Nguyễn Anh Tuấn, said: "This initiative not only connects the film industries of both countries but also creates a platform to promote collaboration, use of advanced technologies like AI, and support young Vietnamese filmmakers in going global." — VNS