According to one official, the government has provided very modest funding for the Canh Dieu Vang Awards, a biggest national event honouring Vietnamese filmmakers.

“Tèo em”, one of the nominated films this year

The chairman of Vietnam Cinema Association, Dang Xuan Hai, said, “We have to spend about VND1.4 billion (USD66,272) this year for Vietnam’s Cinema Day and Canh Dieu Vang Awards ceremony. While the government provides funding of VND600 million (USD28,402), expenses for leasing the venue for the awards ceremony alone is nearly VND500 million (USD23,668).”

He admitted that the funding set aside as awards for artists is not much, at around VND450-VND500 million (USD21,301-USD23,668).

Even though most are very gracious in receiving the Canh Dieu Vang Award, in the previous years several winners have been reluctant to speak about the award's actual value.

“I don’t want to mention the amount I received. It’s rather modest so I just look at it as sort of a condolence prize,” said one winning director.

A scene in the film “Những người viết huyền thoại” or “Legend Writers”

Meritorious Artist, Do Thanh Hai, who is the stage director of the ceremony, said, “Due to the modest funding, we have had to ask for additional financial support from other sources. I have to rack my brain to work out cost-saving solutions, which takes away from my ability to devise new ideas or ask for dramatic stage designs,” Hai commented.

He called on the public and the media to have some understanding of the economic situation before making criticisms of the unprofessional appearance of the event.

“Please don’t compare us with other large award ceremonies in developed countries. There is a huge disparity investment,” he added.