Vietnamese film‑history forum debates standards for historical movies

Filmmakers, historians and critics gathered at the second session of the "Diễn đàn Điện Ảnh và Lịch Sử: Từ Đối thoại đến Đồng hành" to discuss how Vietnam’s cinema can portray the nation’s rich past responsibly. Director and producer Nguyễn Phan Quang Bình stressed that creating a historical film must begin with thorough research and early collaboration with scholars, ensuring that core facts and the essence of real figures are preserved while allowing creative expression.

Director Quốc Hưng and screenwriter Trịnh Thanh Nhã highlighted the challenge of filling gaps in the historic record. They argued that while dates, major events and fundamental relationships of historical characters must remain accurate, artistic liberties can be taken in peripheral details to deliver an engaging narrative. Both sides agreed that historians should be involved from the project’s inception, guiding filmmakers on what cannot be altered and where thoughtful fictionalisation is permissible.

The forum concluded that a partnership between the film industry and academic experts is essential to bring Vietnam’s history to modern audiences without compromising integrity, and called for continued dialogue to refine guidelines for future historical productions.