Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang: Striving for UNESCO Creative Cities Status

Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam, with its rich cultural heritage and thriving creative industries, is positioning itself as a hub for creative arts. Among the cities vying for recognition within the prestigious UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang are leading the charge. Both cities are making significant strides toward receiving the UNESCO Creative City title, a recognition that would further elevate their global standing in the fields of cinema, media arts, and creative industries.

Ho Chi Minh City: Aiming to Be Vietnam’s Cinema City

Ho Chi Minh City, already a vibrant cultural and economic hub, is now turning its focus to cinema and media arts in its bid to join the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Recently, the city participated in a high-level meeting in the U.S. with Indochina Productions and MTV’s The Challenges production team. The meeting highlighted the potential of Ho Chi Minh City as a filmmaking destination, discussing key strategies to attract global filmmakers and foster a digital content creation industry.

Ho Chi Minh City’s commitment to becoming a Film City was further underscored during the inaugural Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF 2024). Vice Chairman Duong Anh Duc expressed the city’s desire to create an event that positions Ho Chi Minh City as a destination for both local and international film crews. With a focus on training and developing human resources in cinema, the city hopes to become a central hub for the global film industry, contributing significantly to Vietnam’s cultural and economic growth.

As the city continues to invest in its film and media arts infrastructure, the vision of Ho Chi Minh City as a Creative City of Cinema is becoming increasingly attainable. Being a member of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network would not only enhance the city’s status but also drive further economic opportunities through tourism, media, and creative industries.

Da Nang: Building Its Path to Creative City Status through Film

Da Nang, known for its stunning landscapes and cultural heritage, is also setting its sights on joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, with a particular focus on cinema and film festivals. The Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF), held annually, has become a cornerstone for the city’s creative industry. This international event fosters connections between filmmakers, creatives, and audiences, contributing significantly to the development of both the Vietnamese film industry and Da Nang’s cultural tourism.

Da Nang

The 2024 edition of DANAFF has seen remarkable growth, with the number of films participating jumping from 46 to 63. The festival showcases a variety of genres, with notable films such as “Inside the Golden Cocoon” (winner of Best Debut Film at the 76th Cannes Film Festival) and “Culi Khong Bao Nhan” (winner at the 74th Berlin Film Festival) making their appearances. This increase in participation is a testament to the growing importance of the festival and its potential to contribute to Da Nang’s bid to become a UNESCO Creative City.

According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion Association, Da Nang has the perfect foundation to join the Creative Cities Network, particularly due to its open-minded and dynamic population, ideal for a creative city. The success of DANAFF, along with other key cultural events such as the International Fireworks Festival, positions Da Nang as a city of festivals, creativity, and cultural exchange.

The Power of Creative Cities for Sustainable Development

The UNESCO Creative Cities Network encompasses over 350 cities from more than 100 countries, focusing on seven key creative fields: Design, Literature, Music, Crafts and Folk Arts, Gastronomy, Cinema, and Media Arts. This network aims to promote cultural diversity, support creative industries, and address global challenges such as climate change, urbanization, and inequality.

For both Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang, the UNESCO Creative Cities title would provide a platform to enhance their cultural profiles globally, boost their creative industries, and develop sustainable tourism models. As these cities continue to invest in and promote their cultural and creative assets, they are not only contributing to Vietnam’s growth but also to the broader creative economy.

The Future: Creativity as a Pathway to Global Recognition

The efforts of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang in cultivating their film industries and cultural events represent a growing recognition of the role that creative sectors play in shaping the future of cities. As they work toward joining the ranks of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, their status as centers of culture, innovation, and creativity will only continue to grow. For travelers and culture enthusiasts, these cities are poised to become some of the most exciting and dynamic destinations in Vietnam.

As Ho Chi Minh City builds its foundation as a cinema city and Da Nang continues to develop as a festival city, both are well on their way to achieving the coveted title of UNESCO Creative City, a step that will undoubtedly redefine their global presence and influence.