Most Vietnamese cinemas prefer presenting foreign films to attract young people who accounted for two thirds of total cinema goers over the past decade.

The issue was one of several topics discussed at a seminar to boost the Vietnamese film industry held in Hanoi on July 25.

"Mother's Soul"

Only a small number of Vietnamese films are shown at local cinemas. In 2011, just 17 of 123 released Vietnamese films made it to the nation’s cinema screens. Entertainment films lured the largest box office figures. “Long Ruoi” or Long Fly earned VND42 billion (USD2 million) and “Bong Ma Hoc Duong” or Ghost Graduation posted revenue of VND1.8 billion (USD85,714) for every screening.

Ironically during a week that commemorates War Memorial Day (July 27), not a single Vietnamese is on show. Films, which were produced in 2011 and drew public attention such as “Tâm Hồn Mẹ” or Mother’s Soul and “Mùi Cỏ Cháy” or The Scent of Burning Grass, still await a proper run.

In February this year, Mother’s Soul were shown for free in Hanoi, attracting large audiences, however, it has yet to be officially released. Director Pham Nhue Giang has said its possible the film may never get a proper run as this genre does not promise high box office returns.

At the seminar, representatives from many film studios proposed solutions to promote Vietnamese films such as building more cinemas; and regulating the themes and nationality for films to be imported in order to provide local viewers more attractive foreign films.

However, bringing Vietnamese films to cinemas and drawing more viewers remains a big challenge to both film producers and management agencies. Meritorious Artist Vuong Duc said, “It’s not only Vietnam but also many other countries that face difficulties in promoting art films. The responsibility to attract viewers rests equally with the film makers. Plus building more cinemas, improving the film production techniques and advertising mainstream films are factors to make a good film.”