Vietnam Cinema Department issues new regulations for international film submissions

The Vietnam Cinema Department has issued a directive to rectify issues regarding Vietnamese films participating in international film festivals and award ceremonies. The department noted instances where organizations or individuals submitted films or granted access to film versions to foreign organizers before obtaining the required film classification licenses or broadcasting decisions.

According to the directive signed by Director Dang Tran Cuong, many units only submit appraisal or modification requests shortly before screening deadlines, which creates legal risks and hinders the department's ability to support high-quality works. Under the Cinema Law, any film participating in international festivals, awards, or competitions must have a valid classification license or a broadcasting decision.

The department emphasized that the submitted film version must strictly match the licensed version. If content changes, units must re-apply for a classification license before use. Additionally, the department cautioned against participating in events that show signs of excessive commercialization of awards, urging filmmakers to prioritize national interests and the reputation of Vietnamese cinema over the pursuit of titles.