Ho Chi Minh City Hosts Twenty Fourth Vietnam Film Festival, Celebrating UNESCO Creative City of Cinema Status and Boosting Cultural Tourism Growth

Published on November 23, 2025

On the evening of 21 November 2025, the 24th Vietnam Film Festival was officially launched at Ho Chi Minh City’s Independence Palace, which coincided with the induction of Ho Chi Minh City into the UNESCO Creative Cities of Cinema Network. This recognition reflects Ho Chi Minh City’s ongoing transformation as a power in both culture and tourism, not only within Vietnam itself but also within Southeast Asia and beyond.

The festival will run until November 25 and will present 144 films from 42 units, of which 87 are competition films in various genres such as motion pictures, documentaries, science films, and animated films. It is an important event to solidify the position of the city as the center for international cultural exchange and simultaneously to boost tourism growth in Vietnam. This inaugural event presents an opportunity to reinforce the city’s position in creative industries and international tourism as a strong platform to attract high-spending international tourists.

UNESCO Creative City Status and Its Impact on Tourism

The recent UNESCO recognition of Ho Chi Minh City as a Creative City of Cinema holds significant tourism potential. As part of the Creative Cities of Cinema network, the city now stands as a beacon for film tourism, where cultural tourism and cinema come together to attract a new demographic of travelers. This recognition places Ho Chi Minh City in an exclusive group of cities globally known for fostering artistic expression and cultural innovation.

With UNESCO’s backing, Ho Chi Minh City is now positioned to attract more international filmmakers, cinema enthusiasts, and cultural tourists, helping boost the city’s profile as a tourism hub. This enhances the city’s international standing and strengthens its appeal as a place for cultural discovery and artistic collaboration, fueling a broader tourism growth trajectory.

Film Festivals as Drivers of Economic and Tourism Growth

The Vietnam Film Festival serves as a prime example of how international film events can directly contribute to local tourism economies. By attracting film industry professionals, global visitors, and media attention, such festivals generate significant tourism revenue.

Ho Chi Minh City’s role as a cinema hub is now set to draw high-value visitors, including tourists seeking an authentic connection to Vietnam’s cinematic history and those interested in filmmaking as a cultural medium. The festival not only showcases Vietnamese cinema but also promotes the city’s modern cultural offerings, highlighting the vibrant intersections of art, cinema, and urban tourism.

The increased foot traffic and the international attention generated by such events will benefit the local economy. From increased demand for hotels, restaurants, and local transport to boosting local businesses, the festival’s economic impact will reverberate throughout Ho Chi Minh City, helping it evolve into an even more significant destination for global travelers.

Nurturing the Next Generation of Filmmakers and Boosting Film Tourism

Vietnam’s film industry has long been seen as an essential part of the country’s creative economy. As Ho Chi Minh City becomes a UNESCO Creative City of Cinema, it will see increased investment in film education and infrastructure, benefiting not only the film industry but also the tourism sector. The city’s initiatives to nurture young talent, such as the “Colours of Life through Cinema” project, which introduces cinema into schools, will contribute to long-term tourism growth by developing future generations of filmmakers who will shape Vietnam’s cinematic future.

By integrating cinema with public art events, film screenings, and cinema education, Ho Chi Minh City is creating new opportunities for cultural tourism, attracting those interested in film tourism, art exhibitions, and creative industry conferences. Additionally, the city’s initiatives, including mobile film screenings and outdoor cinema events, will further democratize access to cinematic experiences, inviting a broader audience to explore Vietnam’s rich film heritage.

Tourism Initiatives and Infrastructure to Support International Visitors

As part of its commitment to expanding its cultural tourism infrastructure, Ho Chi Minh City is actively developing creative spaces for artists to connect with businesses and audiences. The city’s ongoing efforts to improve tourism accessibility, such as streamlining production locations and administrative procedures for filmmakers, are designed to foster a film-friendly environment. These initiatives also benefit tourists who are drawn to the film industry and creative tourism experiences, helping them engage more directly with the city’s creative industries.

Additionally, Ho Chi Minh City is positioning itself as a regional hub for cinema cities through networking conferences with other cities in the Asia-Pacific region. These exchanges not only strengthen cultural ties but also increase the city’s visibility on the global tourism map, showcasing its commitment to becoming a leading creative city for film lovers and industry professionals alike.

The Long-Term Tourism Impact of Ho Chi Minh City’s Creative City Status

The recognition of Ho Chi Minh City as a Creative City of Cinema has far-reaching implications for the future of Vietnam’s tourism. As the city focuses on cultural tourism and film tourism, it is poised to see sustained growth in international visitor numbers, particularly those seeking a deeper connection to Vietnam’s cinematic culture and creative industries.

Moreover, the launch of events like the Vietnam Film Festival is instrumental in positioning Ho Chi Minh City as a cultural tourism hub within Southeast Asia. The city is becoming increasingly attractive to high-spending international tourists who are eager to experience not only Vietnam’s history and cuisine but also its dynamic creative economy. The intersection of culture, creativity, and tourism will provide opportunities for economic growth across various sectors, from hospitality to local crafts and public art spaces.

Ho Chi Minh City’s Role as a Cinema Hub and Tourism Destination

The 24th Vietnam Film Festival and UNESCO Creative City of Cinema recognition mark the important milestones of Ho Chi Minh City in enhancing its position as a major destination for cultural tourism and film-related journeys. Such integration of cinema, culture, and tourism has gradually turned the city into a creative tourism powerhouse that is attractive to international filmmakers and cultural travelers alike from all over the world.

Emphasizing young talent, cinema education, and international partnerships, Ho Chi Minh City is joining the ranks to become a significant player in global tourism. This contributes to the economy of Vietnam while fostering its role as a cultural leader in Southeast Asia.