Discussion of the Cinema Law Project (amended): Solving the 'problem' of too many weak scripts and not enough good scripts

Continuing the program of the National Assembly's Conference of full-time deputies, on the morning of March 29, delegates discussed the Draft Law on Cinema (amended).

National Assembly Standing Vice Chairman Tran Thanh Man chaired the discussion session on the draft Cinema Law (amended). Photo: Doan Tan/VNA

Meet the set goals

Presenting a summary report on a number of issues regarding the explanation, reception and revision of the Draft Law on Cinema (amended), Chairman of the Committee on Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh said that compared to the Draft Law submitted by the Government to the National Assembly at the 2nd session, the Draft Law after reception and revision has added many new contents. Up to now, the Draft Law has met the set objectives.

Regarding some opinions suggesting considering the State's investment and support in building modern film studios associated with tourism and entertainment, the Standing Committee of the Committee found that building modern film studios providing film production services is very important and requires a large amount of funding. However, in the current situation, it is very difficult to attract and mobilize social resources.

To ensure maximum exploitation of studio investment efficiency, there needs to be a mechanism to link studios with tourism and entertainment activities. Therefore, regulations such as the Draft Law allow the State to invest in or support the construction of studios.

Regarding the dissemination of films on cyberspace, Chairman of the Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh stated that film dissemination is an activity that has a great impact on security, national defense, safety, and social ethics. The business of film dissemination services is regulated as a conditional business line. Therefore, in order to properly manage the dissemination of films on cyberspace, it is necessary to clearly identify the subjects and responsibilities of film dissemination subjects; the responsibilities of state management agencies and relevant agencies and organizations in the work of inspection, examination, prevention, and handling of violations.

The Standing Committee of the Committee accepts and revises the Draft Law in the direction of: Amending the provisions on the subject of film dissemination on cyberspace as the film dissemination cinema establishment. The film dissemination establishment on cyberspace must self-classify the film before dissemination, or request the competent authority to classify; and be responsible before the law for the results of self-classification of the film.

The draft Law supplements regulations that cinema establishments that disseminate films on cyberspace must implement technical measures for parents or guardians to self-control, manage, and ensure that children watch films disseminated on cyberspace that are appropriate for their viewing age.

Mr. Nguyen Dac Vinh also said that the "post-audit" plan for films popular on the internet is a common trend in the world, which has been considered and assessed by the Government, suitable for the reality of our country, and agreed to submit to the National Assembly at the 2nd session, with the agreement of the majority of National Assembly deputies. Therefore, the Standing Committee of the Committee would like to accept the opinions of the majority of National Assembly deputies, and stipulate the unified implementation of "post-audit" for films popular on the internet.

Too many weak scripts, not enough good scripts

Film production; attracting foreign individuals and organizations to produce films in Vietnam; post-inspection… are major issues that have attracted many comments from National Assembly delegates.

Regarding regulations on film production in Vietnam for foreign organizations and individuals, some opinions suggest that the licensing application should only require a summary of the film script in Vietnam instead of a full film script.

Delegate Tran Van Lam (Bac Giang) emphasized the need to further simplify administrative procedures, especially regulations on appraisal and licensing; and shorten the time for granting licenses to provide film production services to foreign organizations and individuals.

National Assembly delegate of Bac Lieu province Tran Thi Hoa Ry speaks. Photo: Doan Tan/VNA

Considering that the current regulations are too strict, according to the delegate, anything that does not violate the prohibitions should have more flexible and adaptable regulations to attract foreign filmmakers and to promote the image, country and people of Vietnam to the world. Strengthening state management is necessary, but it is not necessary to do things that are too specific and meticulous, causing difficulties and hindering cinema activities.

Regarding film production using the State budget, delegate Tran Thi Hoa Ry (Bac Lieu) suggested that there should be breakthroughs so that cinema can contribute to promoting the image, country and people of Vietnam to the world. For films serving political tasks, the State needs to have mechanisms to encourage, sponsor and invest. In film production, it is necessary to minimize the problem of "too many weak scripts but not enough good scripts".

More investment is needed in script development. Along with that, we need to strengthen the post-inspection process and minimize the number of low-quality films because in reality, there have been films that, when shown, the public has discovered loopholes.

"A successful film is not only about having a good script but also other factors. However, most films that attract public attention, classic films, and films with a lot of resonance often start with good scripts and have good production. The quality of the script is of interest to many people. However, when will we solve the problem of having too many weak scripts and not enough good scripts?", delegate Tran Thi Hoa Ry expressed her opinion./.