The award ceremony for HCM City joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network for film, as part of the 24th Việt Nam Film Festival. — VNA/VNS Photo

HCM CITY — The opening ceremony of the 24th Việt Nam Film Festival was held in HCM City’s Independence Palace on the evening of November 21, along with the announcement of HCM City joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) for film.

The festival is held until November 25 with the participation of 144 films from 42 units, including a competition for 87 films (16 motion pictures, 36 documentaries, 14 science films and 21 animated films).

All of the films are being shown at the Galaxy Park Mall at Parc Mall in Tạ Quang Bửu Street, CGV Hùng Vương Plaza and Cinestar Hai Bà Trưng.

The festival is organised by the Cinema Department under the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with the Department of Culture and Sports of HCM City.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Tạ Quang Đông, deputy minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said that the 24th Việt Nam Film Festival marks a new stage of development for Việt Nam’s cinema in global integration.

UNESCO officially recognised HCM City as a Global Creative City of Cinema on October 31, acknowledging the city’s efforts in developing its cultural industry, film production infrastructure, and its potential to become a regional cinema hub.

This will help facilitate international cooperation and nurture a new generation of filmmakers, he said.

Nguyễn Văn Được, chairman of HCM City People’s Committee, said that this new accomplishment will place new responsibilities on HCM City in terms of cultural and creativity development, and that this festival is an opportunity to carry out that commitment, affirming the city’s role as a cinema hub of Việt Nam and its position in the Creative Cities Network.

“HCM City is implementing many initiatives, including a programme to bring cinema into schools to nurture young talent – the ‘Colours of life through cinema’ project which helps everyone access art through mobile film screenings, outdoor films and events in public spaces.”

Other initiatives include developing creative spaces to help artists connect with businesses and the audience, networking conferences for cinema cities in Asia, and policies to assist domestic and international filmmakers with administrative procedures, production locations and infrastructure.

Jonathan Baker, chief representative of UNESCO Office in Việt Nam, said that this two events demonstrate HCM City’s strong creative drive, honouring the diverse beauty of Vietnamese cinema and opening up opportunities for dialogues and collaborations with international partners.

Becoming a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network means that HCM City is committed to strengthen its policies to support filmmakers, expand cultural participation opportunities for the general public, and facilitate knowledge exchange with international partners.

“UNESCO wishes to accompany HCM City on this journey and will continue to work closely with the city's leaders and the filmmaking community to make this title a catalyst for cultural vitality, international exchange and long-term development.” — VNS