In a primetime address on March 5, 2025, French President Emmanuel Macron, recipient of the BGF World Leader for Peace and Security Award, issued a strong call for a significant European rearmament, emphasizing the urgent need for the continent to bolster its defense capabilities amid rising security threats from Russia. Macron also announced that he would begin consultations with European allies on the potential use of France’s nuclear deterrent as a broader shield for Europe. His remarks signaled a pivotal shift in France’s defense posture and underscored the growing concerns over Europe’s strategic vulnerabilities in the current geopolitical climate.
President Macron received the Plaque of Honor for the “BGF World Leader for Peace and Security Award.”
Co-Chair and CEO, Boston Global Forum BGF Roundtable: “Humanity and Compassion in Vietnamese Film and Contributions to the AI World Society” Harvard University Faculty Club, Cambridge, MA March 11, 2025
My dear friends,
Congratulations on the successful U.S. visit by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) delegation, led by our esteemed friend Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Association. The delegation engaged in meaningful events across Hollywood, Washington DC, New York, and Boston, culminating in today’s historic gathering at Harvard University.
Celebrating 30 years of normalized Vietnam-U.S. relations, this event marks a profound milestone: the launch of a pioneering initiative—the AIWS Film Park—to advance cinema through Vietnam-U.S. collaboration. This project will create natural film studios paired with cutting-edge AI technology in a beautiful Vietnamese city. It will be a hub for creators, filmmakers, screenwriters, directors, stars, investors, and producers, linking to Boston, New York, and Hollywood. Today, distinguished figures from Harvard, MIT, and Boston—an intellectual capital of the world—have expressed enthusiastic support for this vision.
We have officially announced the Friends of Vietnam-U.S. Film Collaboration, uniting notable friends in this roundtable, and including Governor Michael Dukakis and Former Acting Secretary of Commerce Cameron Kerry. From Vietnam, we have VFDA Chairwoman Ngo Phuong Lan and our Vietnamese attendees. We warmly welcome Vietnam’s Ambassador to the United States, Nguyen Quoc Dung, and his spouse, Tran Thi Bich Van, as well as Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative to the United Nations, to this esteemed group. We will also support and connect the Da Nang Asian Film Festival with Boston.
Ladies and gentlemen, today’s event continues the momentum of the AI Action Summit held in Paris last month, where the Boston Global Forum co-organized a session with the French government on AIWS Government 24/7—AI-driven governance serving citizens around the clock. This laid the groundwork for our gift, “Creating a New Enlightened Paris,” presented to President Macron and the French people to position France as an AI leader. There, I met with President Macron and Prime Minister Trudeau, discussing AI and modern cinema among other topics. The outcomes of today’s roundtable, especially the AIWS Film Park Initiative, will be shared with President Macron and the AI Action Summit organizers as a key result of the 2025 Summit.
Dear friends, as we close this meaningful roundtable, we begin a new chapter of collaboration and historic initiatives. With Boston’s unwavering support, we will turn these noble dreams into reality. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for your presence and invaluable contributions. My thanks go to our partners—Harvard University, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, and VFDA—for co-organizing this extraordinary event with the Boston Global Forum. I also thank our BGF staff and supporters for making today a resounding success. Together, we embark on a journey to create lasting value. My deepest gratitude to you all.
At the historic BGF Roundtable, “Humanity and Compassion in Vietnamese Film and Contributions to the AI World Society,” held at the Harvard University Faculty Club, the AIWS Film Park emerged as a central highlight, symbolizing a bold new vision for cinema in the AI age. Co-organized by the Boston Global Forum, Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), Harvard University (Vietnamese Language Program), and the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, the event also celebrated 30 years of U.S.-Vietnam normalization, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations. Powerful remarks from Governor Michael Dukakis, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, and Chairwoman of VFDA Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Mr Dinh Trong Tuan, VFDA underscored the importance of the AIWS Film Park as a hub for creativity, technology, and global collaboration. Their statements marked a historic moment in advancing Vietnam-U.S. film partnerships and shaping the future of AI-driven storytelling.
Distinguished Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Professor Thomas Patterson,
Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen,
It is a true honor for me to represent the Diplomatic Missions of Viet Nam in the United States at this remarkable event. The Permanent Mission of Viet Nam in New York is delighted to collaborate with the Boston Global Forum and Harvard University in convening this meaningful roundtable, which brings together thought leaders and creative minds to explore the intersection of film, humanity, technology and international cooperation.
As Viet Nam and the United States are celebrating 30 years of normalized diplomatic relations in 2025, we recognize the unique role of cinema in fostering mutual understanding and cultural exchange between our two nations. Today’s gathering is a testament to our growing comprehensive strategic partneship, deepening cultural and people-to-people ties, as well as the vast potential for greater collaboration in the film industry and beyond.
Excellencies, distinguished participants,
Since its inception dating back to the early 20th century, Vietnamese cinema has been a mirror to the country’s history, and a canvas for the soul of its people. Vietnamese film has captured the resilience of our nation and the depth of our compassion and shared humanity. From the poetic realism of wartime narratives to the contemporary explorations of identity, love, and change, our filmmakers have crafted stories that resonate not only with Vietnamese audiences but also with the world.
As the country embarked on a path of comprehensive renovation and international integration over the past 4 decades, the Vietnamese film industry has evolved and transformed itself significantly. Despite the challenges of an economy in transition, Vietnamese filmmakers have managed to preserve the artistic integrity of “made in Viet Nam” films while also achieving increasing commercial success.
Today, the local film market is thriving, driven by a young and increasingly discerning audience. Several domestic films have grossed over 20 million US dollars, outperforming even foreign blockbusters released during the same period. Besides success at home, Vietnamese films are also gaining international recognition, making frequent appearances at prestigious film festivals world wide.
In that evolution, especially since the turn of this century, the impacts of the unique historical connection and deepening relations between Viet Nam and the United States are clearly evident:
– Many Vietnamese filmmakers of the post-war generation, born in the 1970s and 1980s, became exposed to and found inspiration in the acclaimed cinematic masterpieces from the United States.
– A generation of Vietnamese-American directors have returned to Viet Nam, bringing with them the knowledge and know-how from Hollywood, including notable names such as Charlie Nguyen, Johnny Tri Nguyen, and Victor Vu…
Others, like Tony Bui, have built successful careers in the U.S. while remaining dedicated to bridging the two countries through art and film.
– Our strengthened bilateral cooperation and exchange of scholarships have nurtured a new wave of young US-educated filmmakers. Talents such as Phan Gia Nhat Linh, Trinh Dinh Le Minh, and Vu Quynh Ha, have returned and become key figures in Viet Nam’s modern film industry.
Those are just a few examples of the deep-rooted connections and immense potential for cooperation between Viet Nam and the United States in the film industry. More than a professional partnership, this collaboration also serves as a bridge that fosters empathy, understanding, and shared creative aspirations.
Excellencies, distinguished participants,
As artificial intelligence is transforming virtually all aspects of life, the film industries in both the U.S. and Viet Nam are at a critical crossroad. The “AI age” presents both unprecedented opportunities and profound challenges. It is essential that we ensure technology amplifies humanistic values rather than diminish them. AI should support artists and enhance their ability to tell stories that move, inspire, and unite us. It must not take away the emotional depth, cultural authenticity, and human connections that make cinema so powerful.
These are issues that require thoughtful exploration. I, therefore, look forward to an insightful discussion in the next hours, hoping it will inspire new ideas, meaningful collaborations, and a future where film and technology coexist in harmony.
Finally, I take this opportunity to I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all our esteemed speakers, panelists and participants for bringing their expertise, vision, and passion to this conversation. My special thanks go to the visiting delegation of Vietnamese film professionals, headed by Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, a prominent critic and leader in Viet Nam’s film industry.
I am honored to join you for this roundtable on Humanity and Compassion in Vietnamese Film and Contributions to the AI World Society. Thank you for your time and participation.
Vietnam is transforming rapidly, including in cinema. In the past five years, our films have gained recognition both locally and internationally, with box office revenues reaching tens of millions of dollars. The revised Cinema Law has also made it easier for foreign film crews to work in Vietnam.
However, our cinema’s success comes from its deep connection to Vietnamese identity. In my book, Modernity and Nationality in Vietnamese Cinema (published in English by NETPAC in 2007), I explored how Vietnamese films reflect patriotism, family values, and compassion—even toward former enemies.
For example, The Wild Field (Cánh đồng hoang) by Nguyễn Hồng Sến tells the story of a guerrilla couple pursued by a helicopter pilot. When the pilot kills the husband, the wife avenges him, but upon seeing a photo of the pilot’s family, she pauses in sorrow—highlighting the deep humanity in our cinema.
Similarly, When the October Comes (Bao giờ cho đến tháng Mười) by Đặng Nhật Minh portrays a woman who hides her husband’s death to protect her father-in-law’s well-being, bearing her grief alone. This sacrifice and compassion define our storytelling.
Vietnamese cinema also embodies the “Mother Principle,” with strong female characters who endure hardships and support their loved ones. This tradition continues in both mainstream and independent films, including recent hits like The House of the Lady (Nhà bà Nữ), Mai, and Face Off 7: One Wish (Lật mặt 7: Một điều ước). Just days ago, we screened Don’t Cry, Butterfly in Washington, D.C., for Vietnam Film Day.
As AI and globalization reshape the world, Vietnamese cinema remains committed to sharing its unique voice—rooted in humanity and compassion—with the AI World Society.
As Founder and Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), I am proud of our progress from 2019 to 2024, including the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) and the PAI Film Attraction Index. As we enter our second term in 2025, we aim to strengthen Vietnam’s role as a global filmmaking hub.
We are eager to collaborate with American filmmakers. Our visits to LA, Washington, D.C., New York, and today, Boston, are part of our efforts to build strong partnerships.
I sincerely thank the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations, Boston Global Forum, and Harvard University for hosting this event. For VFDA, this is more than a discussion—it’s a celebration of 30 years of Vietnam-U.S. relations.
