Ho Chi Minh City designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Film

Ho Chi Minh City has been officially designated a UNESCO Creative City of Film, with the announcement held during the opening of the 24th Viet Nam Film Festival at Independence Palace on 21 November. The recognition arrives at a challenging moment for Viet Nam, as several central provinces continue to face the impacts of severe flooding. In response, the festival's activities were carried out in a respectful and measured manner, including calls for artists, filmmakers and audiences to contribute to relief efforts for affected communities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Jonathan Baker, UNESCO Representative to Viet Nam, underlined the city's sustained leadership in building a dynamic film ecosystem and its commitment to placing creativity at the centre of sustainable development. He highlighted the energy and imagination of young filmmakers and creative practitioners, noting their role in shaping a vibrant and forward-looking cultural landscape.