Popularity of Documentary Films at the European-Vietnamese Film Festival

Documentaries are often considered less mainstream, yet the European-Vietnamese documentary film festival saw full attendance. What drove this enthusiasm among viewers?

For Vietnam’s documentary filmmakers, the high attendance bodes well. The films showcased featured fresh perspectives and intriguing subjects that resonated with audiences.

The festival featured award-winning films that offered unique viewpoints. This is a significant factor in attracting a diverse audience, shifting from primarily older viewers to a more youthful crowd.

Documentary films draw interest as they address relatable life experiences and pressing global issues like gender equality, childhood, environmental concerns, and politics. This authenticity is particularly appealing to Vietnamese audiences.

The Landscape of Vietnamese Documentary Filmmaking

While there are political-themed films in Vietnam, they are relatively few. Filmmakers here are eager to produce more of these narratives but seek approval from authorities to depict politicians’ stories and their contributions to the country.

In contrast to the commercial focus of productions abroad, many Vietnamese films serve more propaganda purposes, predominantly funded by the state.

Cultural Dialogue through Film Selection

During the festival, we curate films with similar themes to foster cultural dialogue. Each year’s theme poses a challenge in selection.

Over the years, we have noticed distinct differences in how issues are represented, particularly between Vietnam and Europe, reflecting unique national styles.

Foreign documentaries typically exclude commentary, while Vietnamese films often include it. Thanks to cultural exchanges, many Vietnamese filmmakers are moving towards an international style, reducing commentary in favor of character dialogue.

Our aim is to align more closely with global standards in storytelling and cultural representation, but the predominant propaganda focus in Vietnamese documentaries complicates this transition.

The typical duration for Vietnamese documentaries is between 25 to 30 minutes, with a maximum of 50 minutes, unlike international films which can run for 80 to 100 minutes, allowing for more extensive storytelling.

Given the differing objectives and initial investments, filmmakers approach topics in varied ways. I am optimistic that in the future, storytelling methods of Vietnamese directors will converge with international practices.

As we strive to integrate within the global scene, it’s essential to adopt a common language and unified approach in our filmmaking.

Investment and Quality in Film Production

The scale of investment is crucial in determining film quality. In other countries, film production can span several years, while in Vietnam, projects are typically completed in a matter of months. Filmmakers here often work to fulfill investors’ directives, whereas abroad, projects are developed based on individual vision and market demands. Clearly, funding levels influence the creative freedoms of directors.