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| Renowed as an ancient heritage city, Hue becoming a favored destination for both domestic and international filmmakers |
From cinema to tourism
Together with Phu Yen, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City, Thua Thien Hue has recently been honored as one of the top 10 localities in Vietnam in the 2024 Production Attraction Index (PAI), which evaluates regions for their attractiveness to film crews and suitability for film production.
The index, announced in mid-December by Vietnam Film Promotion and Development Association, assesses the level of support provided by localities to film and tourism industries. It is based on five key criteria: financial incentives, information accessibility, on-location resources, legal frameworks, and infrastructure. PAI also serves as a bridge between local governments and the film industry. Through this index, the association aims to unlock the potential of Vietnam’s film industry and showcase the country’s beauty and untold stories to the world.
This recognition further solidifies Thua Thien Hue’s status as a major filming destination, an impressive destination for cinema in general and filmmakers in particular. It not only promotes tourism but also helps shape cultural values through the lens of a burgeoning cultural industry.
According to representatives from the Department of Culture and Sports, Hue’s heritage system - including its imperial citadel architectures, palaces, tombs, royal residences, garden houses, and thousands of precious artifacts - has become an attractive destination for film crews. The history of Vietnamese cinema is marked by notable works that used Hue as their setting, leaving lasting impressions on audiences. Examples include Indochine directed by Régis Wargnier, The Girl on the River by Dang Nhat Minh, The Candle of the Imperial Palace by Nguyen Quoc Hung, and Moon at the Bottom of the Well by Nguyen Vinh Son, adapted from the work of the writer Tran Thuy Mai, etc.
Additionally, many directors have paid special attention to using Hue’s distinctive scenery as a highlight, contributing to the success of recently-launched films, such as Nang Tho Xu Hue (The Muse of Hue), Gai Gia Lam Chieu 3 (Camellia Sisters 3), Gai Gia Lam Chieu 4 (Camellia Sisters 4), Kieu, Mat Biec (Dreamy Eyes), Em và Trinh (You and Trinh), and Linh Mieu (Spirit Whisker: The Revenant). In recent years, Hue has also welcomed dozens of international film crews and journalists for their projects.
In 2024 alone, the Department of Culture and Sports guided and supported 32 domestic film crews in using Hue as a filming location. This demonstrates Hue’s immense potential and appeal to filmmakers and film production units.
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The streets of Hue serving as the backdrop for the film Mat Biec (Dreamy Eyes)
Photo by: DPCC |
Open policies
According to Ms. Duong Thi Ngoc Linh, an official at the Department of Culture and Family Management, Hue hasn’t had an official policy on waiving or reducing fees for renting filming locations yet. In practice, however, local authorities often waive or reduce entry fees for both domestic and international film crews using local sites as filming locations. Hue Monuments Conservation Center has taken the lead in offering reduced or waived fees, allowing film crews to shoot in locations within the Complex of Hue Monuments, such as the Imperial Citadel, Minh Mang Mausoleum, Khai Dinh Mausoleum, and An Dinh Palace.
Moreover, all local agencies, units, and community-level authorities are committed to providing maximum support to film crews. This includes legal procedures, public transportation, security, fire prevention, and other logistical needs. Film crews are also impressed by the support provided by experts, researchers, and skilled artisans in local craft villages. These contributions ensure that the films authentically reflect Hue’s culture and people.
Regarding Thua Thien Hue’s inclusion in the “Top 10 Production Attraction Index” (PAI), Ms. Linh emphasized that this recognition reaffirmed Hue’s potential and advantages. In particular, the region’s unique cultural heritage and natural landscapes provide a solid foundation for the development of the film industry.