Italian
Vietnamese indie cinema: overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities
Two Vietnamese-flavored films are making waves at prominent film festivals this year, bringing the spotlight to the burgeoning indie cinema scene in Vietnam. This newfound attention has also underscored the behind-the-scenes struggles that filmmakers face, including ever-changing financing options, limited distribution, and censorship.
Vietnamese cinema at the Busan festival
During a compelling discussion in Busan, industry experts shared insights into the unique landscape of Vietnamese indie cinema. Despite significant challenges, many believe this is the best time to be a Southeast Asia filmmaker. The sentiment was echoed by a leading producer from the Philippines who highlighted that producing films independently from Europe is now a reality – a milestone unattainable a decade ago.
“Festivals are starting up in Vietnam too,” mentioned a filmmaker via video message, emphasizing the growing opportunities but also pointing out the discrepancies between festival aspirations and the reality for independent filmmakers. He candidly discussed the heavy censorship and lack of domestic support, issues that continue to stifle the growth of indie projects in Vietnam.
The journey of ‘Viet and Nam’
The film “Viet and Nam” stands as a testament to the resilience and innovation within the industry. Spanning 12 years in development, it was originally planned as a Vietnamese production but had to be restructured as a Philippines-led co-production due to a ban in Vietnam. This shift reflects a growing trend of unofficial co-productions within Asia, enabling filmmakers to sidestep local restrictions.
At the Talent Tokyo project market, the creators of “Viet and Nam” realized the possibility of securing funding for non-Philippines films. This marked a significant change, with grants and financial support from within Asia now more readily available and combinable with European funds. The film managed to raise 85% of its budget from soft money sources, demonstrating the potential and resourcefulness of indie filmmakers.
Changing tides in Vietnamese cinema
Doung Dieu Linh, a Singapore-based director of the recent Venice festival entry “Don’t Cry, Butterfly“, led panelists in discussing the evolving landscape of Vietnamese film. Linh expressed admiration for the success of local films in gaining audience traction and starting to replace Hollywood productions in popularity.
Tan Si En, the lead producer at Momo Films, shared that investments from firms like CJ ENM are fueling talent in Southeast Asia, catalyzing further change. The conversation also highlighted how the thriving TV commercial production scene in Vietnam is providing opportunities for filmmakers to transition to independent projects, despite facing challenging conditions and minimal pay.
Financial hurdles and looking beyond Europe
A persistent issue for the Vietnamese indie sector is the shortage of government finance. Domestic pressures to conform to mainstream or commercial genres force filmmakers to seek international funding, often from Asia and Europe. However, some industry players suggest moving away from European involvement due to higher costs and communication barriers.
One filmmaker shared their experience with a spiritually themed film rather than a horror story, which failed to gain backing in European labs. Nevertheless, funding from Purin Pictures and subsequent investments proved crucial in bringing the project to fruition.
Bridging cultural gaps in co-productions
Cultural differences pose another layer of complexity in co-productions. European investors typically prioritize detailed plans and return on investment, principles that sometimes clash with the dynamic and flexible approach more common in Asia. Despite these hurdles, the speakers at the panel in Busan stressed the importance of unity and collaboration towards a common goal.
Vietnamese cinema is at a crossroads, with potential and pitfalls lying ahead. The indie scene is burgeoning, driven by a passionate community committed to telling unique stories and pushing the boundaries of filmmaking.
Did you enjoy this article? Share it on your social channels and let us know your thoughts!
Don’t miss out on the latest updates! Follow us on social media to stay informed about the newest releases.
