The Vietnam Film Department requires organizations and individuals to complete licensing procedures before submitting films to international events. At the same time, it emphasizes the need to accurately announce categories and awards, and to exercise caution with events that show signs of commercializing awards.
On October 12th, the Vietnam Film Department issued Document No. 2064/DA-PBP regarding compliance with legal regulations when submitting films to participate in overseas film events, addressed to film production and distribution companies and Vietnamese organizations and individuals whose films have registered to participate in these events.
The document, signed by the Director of the Vietnam Film Department, Dang Tran Cuong, states that in recent times, Vietnamese cinema has increasingly affirmed its presence at international film festivals, awards, and cinematic events.
Many works have been introduced and recognized, contributing to the promotion of Vietnamese culture and people, and expanding opportunities for international cooperation.
However, through its state management work, this agency has found cases where organizations or individuals send films or grant access to film versions to event organizers abroad when the films have not yet been granted a Film Classification License or a Broadcasting Decision.
Close to the release date, the units only then submit applications for review, revision, or request that the competent authority process them within a short period of time.
This situation poses a risk of legal violations, hinders the evaluation process, and limits the ability to provide timely support for high-quality works.
The Vietnam Film Department emphasized that Clause 1, Article 40 of the Film Law No. 05/2022/QH15 stipulates that films participating in film festivals, film awards, film competitions, film programs, and film weeks in Vietnam and abroad must be films that have been granted a Film Classification License or have a Broadcasting Decision.
Therefore, organizations and individuals must ensure they fulfill all legal requirements before submitting films to international events. The submitted film must be identical to the version that has been licensed or has a broadcasting decision. In case of changes to the content of a licensed film, the entity must follow the procedure to request a re-issuance of the Film Classification License according to Article 28 of the Cinema Law before using the modified version of the film.
Notably, the Film Department noted that receiving a film classification license or a broadcasting decision after the film has been submitted to a foreign organization does not automatically exempt one from liability for any prior violations.
Regarding the processing time, organizations and individuals should base their decisions on the film submission deadline for each event to proactively finalize the film, prepare all necessary documents, and request a license. According to Article 27 of the Cinema Law, the processing time for applications is calculated only from the time the competent authority receives a complete and valid application. If the film requires content adjustments or the application needs revision or supplementation, the processing time is recalculated from the time the adjusted film or the completed application is received.
The Film Department affirms that late, incomplete, or invalid applications, or films requiring further revisions, are the responsibility of the organization or individual requesting the license. The deadline set by the event organizers is not a basis for shortening the process, disregarding document requirements, or handling procedures outside the prescribed order and timeframe.
Besides requiring compliance with the law, the document also urges organizations and individuals to exercise caution in selecting international film events. Before submitting a film, they should research and verify the legal status, history of the organization, professional reputation, regulations, selection structure, jury composition, award system, film distribution scope, and related fees. In particular, they should be wary of events that show signs of commercializing awards, awarding prizes indiscriminately, or those claiming to be international but lacking a clear selection and evaluation process.
For certificates of selection, special awards, awards presented by partner organizations, honorary awards, or other forms of recognition outside the main competition categories, organizations and individuals must accurately disclose the name and position of the award within the event’s award structure.
Organizations and individuals should not use these forms of recognition to assert that a work has won a major award or has received widespread international professional acclaim. Inaccurate announcements can affect the reputation of organizations, individuals, and the Vietnamese film industry.
The document also emphasizes professional responsibility, social responsibility, and responsibility to the country when bringing films to the international stage. Accordingly, the selection of works should be considered comprehensively in terms of artistic quality, message, approach, historical and humanistic value, social impact, and international value.
The Film Department respects the right to creative freedom, the right to choose subjects, and the right to reflect multifaceted social life within the framework of the law.
At the same time, we encourage the introduction of works that possess artistic quality, unique identity, historical and humanistic values, and a persuasive approach, helping the international public to understand Vietnam and its people correctly and fully.
The Vietnam Film Department notes that organizations and individuals should prioritize national interests, responsibility to the community, and the reputation of Vietnamese cinema above the pursuit of titles, avoiding chasing awards that would position works in a way that lacks a comprehensive portrayal of Vietnamese people and society.
International recognition should be linked to artistic quality and the responsibility of building a positive image of Vietnam and its people.
Regarding management, if the Film Department detects signs that a film has been submitted without meeting the eligibility requirements, that the film version does not match the licensed version, or that the information about the category or award has been inaccurate, it will investigate, coordinate with the competent authority to verify and handle the matter according to the law.
The Vietnam Film Department also affirmed that it will consider, recommend, and support, within its functions and duties, films with complete legal documentation, transparent event information, submitted on time, of professional quality, and demonstrating social responsibility.
The Vietnam Film Department requests that media outlets continue to promote and disseminate the positive values and contributions of the film industry to cultural and social life.
When reporting on films awarded at international events, the press needs to objectively reflect the status and value of the award within the awards system; caution is advised when a work is honored under titles such as “creative” or “new perspective” but may convey propaganda or political campaigning messages promoted by external entities.
Through this document, the Vietnam Film Department reaffirms its commitment to collaborating with agencies, organizations, and individuals in promoting Vietnamese films internationally, aiming to build a professionally developed film industry that proactively integrates and contributes to the nation’s development.
Original article
https://baoxaydung.vn/cuc-dien-anh-chan-chinh-viec-dua-phim-viet-tham-gia-su-kien-o-nuoc-ngoai-192261012130122354.htm
Trending by Category
Quách Tuấn Du speaks about the allegations that Hồng Loan lip-synced.
Báo Thanh niên2 giờ trước
The female martial artist from Ninh Binh recounts her story of winning a world gold medal in Italy.
Báo Gia đình và Xã hội3 giờ trước
Ho Le Thu talks about the ‘shock’ she experienced during her first days performing abroad.
Báo Thanh niên3 giờ trước
How has Miss Phan Thi Mo changed after 8 years since winning the crown?
Báo Thanh niên3 giờ trước
Anh Thư expresses frustration with the producer, H’Hen Niê sparks controversy on ‘The Face Vietnam’.
Báo Thanh niên3 giờ trước
