HCM CITY – Over 200 Vietnamese and foreign filmmakers, visitors, and artists have gathered at the first ever HCM City International Film Festival 2024 (HIFF 2024), which runs from April 6-13.

The event will give awards to outstanding Vietnamese and foreign movies, host multiple relevant activities, and promote the film industry.

There are three main competition categories, including Southeast Asian, debut and short films, with relevant awards such as Golden Star for the best Southeast Asian film, Best Emerging Director, Best short film, and HCM City film.

There are also personal awards for directors, actors, actresses, cinematographers, editors, and visual effects.

The festival has received over 400 entries, 56 film projects for Chợ dự án (Project Market) and 87 scripts for Vườn ươm kịch bản Việt (VietScript Lab).

Around 113 movies and 206 short films, from both foreign and domestic filmmakers, will also be shown in the event.

Speaking at HIFF 2024 opening ceremony on April 6, vice chairman of the city People’s Committee Dương Anh Đức said HCM City is a large market for film production and is home to a large number of filmmakers and movies of all kinds.

Film-making is among the eight key global industries, with an annual average revenue of VNĐ5 trillion (US$200 million), of which Vietnamese films contribute around 30 per cent, Đức said.

He hoped that through the festival, HCM City could attract investments in cinematographic and cultural activities, contributing to general economic growth.

Apart from the awards and special activities for filmmakers, HIFF will also host a series of seminars on developing the film industry in Southeast Asia and HCM City.

The seminars will focus on matters regarding improving policies and cultural diplomacy through cinematography, as well as issues in collaboration and film production.

Artists and visitors can also engage in exciting activities, such as a gala film screening, training courses hosted by directors, actors, producers, and experts in the industry, music and fashion performances, and a food fair.

An exhibition showcasing the development of the Vietnamese film industry is held on Nguyễn Huệ Street from April 6 to 13 as part of the event. Photo vtv.vn

An exhibition on Nguyễn Huệ street, started on the same day, is also part of the event to showcase the 71-year development of the Vietnamese film industry. VNS