The event was part of a broad array of diplomatic and cultural activities marking the 30th anniversary of Vietnam-US diplomatic relations (1995-2025). The seminar brought together scholars from Harvard University, Columbia University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as filmmakers, film industry businesses, and numerous digital technology and artificial intelligence experts from Vietnam and the US.

In his opening remarks, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, emphasized that cinema serves as a cultural bridge, bringing the Vietnamese and American people closer together and deepening mutual understanding after 30 years of normalized relations.

Regarding the history of Vietnam’s revolutionary cinema and its transformation in the era of renewal and global integration, Ambassador Giang highlighted that despite challenges, Vietnamese films have maintained their distinct identity. Many have gained international recognition for their artistic value, while Vietnam’s domestic film market has flourished, with rising box office revenues. He also hailed the contributions of Vietnamese-American directors and young Vietnamese filmmakers trained in the US, whose expertise and experience from Hollywood have helped elevate Vietnamese cinema on the global stage.

In her keynote speech, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of VFDA, underscored the core values of Vietnamese cinema - humanity, compassion, sacrifice, and altruism, reflected in classic works such as The Abandoned Field: Free Fire and When the Tenth Month Comes.

 She proudly noted the rapid development of Vietnamese cinema in recent years and introduced new policies designed to facilitate international filmmakers’ collaboration and operations in Vietnam. She affirmed that in the digital age and with the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, Vietnamese cinema faces both opportunities and challenges. However, she expressed confidence that while AI can assist in many aspects of filmmaking, it cannot replace the emotional depth and humanistic essence that artists bring to their works.

Participants engaged in dynamic discussions on strengthening Vietnam-US cooperation in the film industry and the impact of artificial intelligence on the sector’s future.

On this occasion, both sides announced several initiatives to step up cooperation, including the establishment of a Friends of Vietnam-US Film Cooperation group and plans to develop an AI-powered film park.

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