Ninh Binh to build filming locations toward becoming destination for international filmmakers

Ninh Binh Newspaper has an interview with Bui Van Manh, Director of the Department of Tourism on this matter.

Reporter: What did Ninh Binh do to support international filmmakers in the past few years?

Mr Bui Van Manh: In the past few years, Ninh Binh has created favourable conditions to support filmmakers, especially international ones.

Since 2000, Ninh Binh has supported five foreign movies namely “The quiet American” by Director Phillip Noyce; “Kong: Skull Island” by Director Jordan Vogt Roberts; and “The Chinese Botanist's Daughters” by Chinese-French Director Dai Sijie.

Ninh Binh has provided assistance in terms of landscapes, security order, as well as free services of boat rowing and human resources.

Ninh Binh owns natural landscapes and abundant historical and cultural relic sites. However, the quality of human resources and infrastructure of luxury hotels and restaurants has not met the demand of international stars.

Reporter: What are the weaknesses of Vietnam in competition with other countries to become a destination of blockbuster films?

 Mr Bui Van Manh: We are lacking a national master plan. First, we don’t have a strategy to lure international filmmakers and lack policies to support them.

Second, we need points of contact to support foreign filmmakers in terms of procedures as well as handling rising problems when shooting in Vietnam.

Third, after working with domestic and foreign filmmakers and directors, we found that most of them have great demand for producing creative and valuable movies but they all have met financial difficulties. Therefore, we could establish adventure funds to support and encourage them to produce movies as these films might help advertise the destinations effectively.

Reporter: What will Ninh Binh do in order to become a film studio in the coming time?

Mr Bui Van Manh: Ninh Binh has paid attention to developing the cultural industry, in which building a film studio is an important factor. Therefore, competent agencies have suggested the province to restore and build some historical relic sites to serve filming. We need a master strategy and support from consultants and professional organisations.

In particularly, it is necessary to choose specific areas to reenact suitable scenes or build a space for historical movies.

At the same time, we should pay heed to developing and supporting domestic film projects or others with coordination of domestic and international filmmakers. A good movie not only helps promote natural landscapes but also conveys traditional cultural values of the nation.

Reporter: Thank you for your interview!