LSN News › Vietnam

Business · Vietnam Bureau

Historical films emerge as tool for Vietnam's cultural diplomacy

Vietnam's cinema industry is leveraging historical narratives to strengthen national identity while positioning itself as a competitive cultural export. Well-funded films using contemporary storytelling techniques are reshaping how Vietnamese values resonate both domestically and internationally.

LSN Vietnam · 6 October 2026

Historical films emerge as tool for Vietnam's cultural diplomacy

Vietnam's film sector is increasingly turning to historical narratives as a dual-purpose strategy: nurturing domestic patriotism while building international cultural appeal. Industry observers note that when compelling human stories are paired with modern cinematic techniques and substantial investment, the resulting films can simultaneously foster national pride and generate competitive commercial products.

This approach aligns with Vietnam's broader cultural strategy outlined in Politburo Resolution No. 80-NQ/TW, which seeks to transform Vietnamese cultural values into a source of national soft power. By presenting history through engaging dramatic storytelling rather than didactic instruction, filmmakers are making Vietnamese heritage more accessible to both domestic and global audiences.

The country's expanding cinema market has begun attracting international talent and investment, creating opportunities for Vietnamese historical narratives to reach audiences beyond national borders. This growing interest underscores the potential for cinema to become a primary vehicle for cultural exchange and international understanding.

Industry analysts view the current moment as pivotal for Vietnamese cinema. With the right combination of artistic vision, production resources, and distribution reach, historical films offer a pathway for the nation's entertainment sector to achieve both cultural resonance and commercial viability on the international stage.