Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: In a groundbreaking event for Vietnam's cinematic landscape, the inaugural Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival (HIFF) is set to open its doors from April 6 to 13, marking a new chapter in the nation's film industry.

‘Last Shadow at First Light,’ a multi-country co-production feature directed by Singaporean filmmaker Nicole Midori Woodford.

The festival arrives on the heels of the revised cinema law which now empowers local governments to host international film festivals. Embracing this new cultural canvas, Ho Chi Minh City is poised to celebrate the art of filmmaking with an international flair.

Fire and Ice Media, our entertainment company, is proud to announce its active participation in this historic event, showcasing two of its produced films in the Southeast Asian competition: "Blue Imagine," a Japan-Philippines co-production directed by Urara Matsubayashi; and "Last Shadow at First Light," a multi-country co-production feature directed by Singaporean filmmaker Nicole Midori Woodford.

HIFF's executive director, Pham Minh Toan, lauded the festival's unique convergence of governmental support and private sector ingenuity.

"This collaboration highlights the close partnership between governmental bodies and private companies, facilitated by an open policy allowing private entities to participate in government social projects," Toan said.

‘Blue Imagine,’ a Japan-Philippines co-production directed by Urara Matsubayashi.

In addition to film screenings, Fire and Ice Media will engage in industry panels. As part of its thought leadership, I will moderate the panel session on "Building More Sustainable Film Ecosystems in Southeast Asia" and contribute as a panelist on the topic of "The Future of Film Financing in Southeast Asia."

Fire and Ice Media is also thrilled to unveil its latest project, "Red Thread," a Vietnamese horror feature directed by Vietnamese-American filmmaker Ham Tran. This ambitious co-production unites creative forces from the Philippines, Taiwan, Singapore and Vietnam, signifying a growing synergy within the region's film industry.

As Southeast Asian films garner more global attention, it becomes increasingly crucial to nurture emerging talents and elevate the quality and reach of the industry.

As our company continues to find ways to champion the talent of Southeast Asian filmmakers, we are happy to be at the forefront of this movement, bringing Filipino creativity to the global stage and forging partnerships that enhance both aesthetic value and international competitiveness.

I am very excited about the Southeast Asian dynamism that is happening within the region. I am also grateful to partners like Anderson Le of the Hawaii International Film Festival who invited me to be part of the festival because I believe that constant presence in global markets is essential for nurturing emerging talent and continuing to elevate the quality of films produced in the region.

The festival will also host an array of prominent guests, including France-based director Anne Fontaine alongside actor Raphaël Personnaz, presenting the opening film "Bolero."

Korean director Kim Han-min, accompanied by actors Park Myunghoon and Jung Jaeyoung, will showcase "Noryang: Deadly Sea." Additionally, Palme d'Or-winning Japanese director Hirokazu Kore-eda will also grace the event with his esteemed presence.

An impressive jury, including Olivier Pere, Janice Chua, Tom Cross, and Samuel Jamier, will oversee the festival's competitions, bringing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to the judging process.

At Fire and Ice Media, we are all about bringing Filipino creativity to the global space and finding partnerships that would elevate our quality and aesthetics, making us more globally competitive. As a young producer, I am embracing this new role of being able to support and help our industry be known to the world.

The first Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival promises to be an extraordinary cultural event, not just for Vietnam, but for the entire Southeast Asian region. It is a beacon of hope and a testament to the boundless potential of the collaborative spirit in filmmaking.

For more information on the Ho Chi Minh City International Film Festival and Fire and Ice Media's participation, please contact mediadesk@fireandice.ph

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Fire and Ice Media is a dynamic entertainment company committed to bringing Filipino talent and stories to a worldwide audience.

With a focus on innovative storytelling and cross-cultural partnerships, Fire and Ice Media is dedicated to producing high-quality films that resonate on a global scale.

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