Vietnam’s Film Sector Hindered by Human Resource Shortfall
Despite the growing recognition of Vietnamese cinema on the global stage, domestic experts are raising concerns over the film industry’s internal development, particularly its human capital. Associate Professor Bui Hoai Son, Standing Member of the National Assembly’s Committee for Culture and Society, recently highlighted that human resources remain the most significant challenge facing Vietnam’s film industry.
Speaking at a cultural event in Ho Chi Minh City that celebrated Vietnamese figures with international influence, Prof. Son emphasized that while Vietnam is making creative strides, it still lacks the systemic support necessary to cultivate a robust and professional film workforce. This shortcoming, he argued, is hindering the industry’s ability to fully harness its creative potential and compete on an international level.
Global Acclaim Meets Local Shortcomings
Vietnamese films have earned accolades at international film festivals in recent years. Productions such as “Inside the Yellow Cocoon Shell” and “Glorious Ashes” have showcased the nation’s storytelling capabilities, winning awards and drawing attention to Vietnamese cinema’s artistic depth. However, Prof. Son noted that these successes are largely the result of individual effort rather than a reflection of a structured, thriving industry.
“We are witnessing a paradox,” he said. “Our creative output is being recognized globally, yet our domestic industry lacks the foundational support to sustain consistent growth.”
He stressed that Vietnam’s film industry needs more than just talented directors or strong scripts. It requires a comprehensive ecosystem including trained technicians, skilled producers, marketing professionals, and effective policy backing to thrive sustainably.
Calls for Institutional Support and Policy Reform
Prof. Son underlined that to overcome these limitations, a coordinated effort is needed from government agencies, educational institutions, and private-sector stakeholders. He urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to develop a long-term strategy focused on human resource training and industry standardization.
“The state must play a pivotal role in shaping a supportive environment where creative professionals can be trained, nurtured, and retained,” he said. He also called for partnerships with international film institutions and more investment in local film schools to nurture young talent.
Moreover, Prof. Son pointed out the importance of policy reform to attract investment and incentivize production. Tax breaks, grants, and a streamlined regulatory framework are necessary to encourage both domestic and foreign filmmakers to invest in Vietnamese cinema.
The Role of Education in Building Talent
According to experts, the development of film education programs is a crucial component in addressing the talent shortage. Currently, Vietnam lacks specialized training institutions that offer comprehensive curricula in film production, cinematography, screenwriting, and post-production.
“Without proper training, many aspiring young filmmakers are left to learn on the job, which limits their growth and the quality of their output,” Prof. Son explained. He advocated for the integration of film studies into university programs and the creation of dedicated academies to professionalize the industry.
He also suggested that Vietnam could learn from other countries in the region, such as South Korea and Thailand, where the state has played an active role in developing a creative workforce through education and public-private partnerships.
Opportunities Amid Challenges
Despite these obstacles, Vietnam’s film industry holds immense potential. The country’s rich culture, diverse landscapes, and dynamic youth population create a fertile ground for cinematic storytelling. The rise of streaming platforms and digital media has also opened new distribution channels for Vietnamese filmmakers to reach global audiences.
Prof. Son concluded with a message of cautious optimism: “We are not starting from zero. We have talent, we have stories to tell, and we are gaining recognition. What we need now is a unified strategy to build our human resources and solidify our position on the world cinema map.”
As Vietnam continues to seek its place in the global film industry, addressing the human resource gap will be essential not only for artistic success but also for the economic and cultural advancement of the nation.
This article is inspired by content from Original Source. It has been rephrased for originality. Images are credited to the original source.
