A scene in Thi Mai movie.
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In which, Spanish filmmakers shared their experiences of Vietnam while making Thi Mai -- the first Spanish movie shot in Vietnam. The movie starred popular Spanish and Vietnamese actors and was shot in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
According to producer Levene, the story is a key factor in filmmaking. However, it is very important to find a good partner to co-produce a work. International film crews will popularise the image of the host country and draw international attention. This will also boost the economy.
In addition, Vietnam will have to compete with other countries in the region which have experience in filmmaking cooperation. After the movie Thi Mai was completed, the Thi Mai’s producer felt Vietnam not only has beautiful landscape but Vietnamese filmmakers are also professional.
The producer also suggested that the Vietnamese Government support mechanisms and change legal procedures to provide favorable conditions to international film crews visiting Vietnam for shooting.
Levene is the president of ADHN, the Spanish Association of Documentary Production Companies, and member of the board of FAPAE, the Spanish Federation of Film Producers Association. He is an independent producer first and is currently a producer, director, and scriptwriter.
According to People Artist Nguyen Nhu Vu, director of the Vietnam National Science and Documentary Centre, Spanish documentaries have been being introduced at European Vietnamese documentary film festivals held annually in Vietnam. "We are looking for opportunities to make documentaries with Spanish filmmakers," Vũ said.
Documentary making opportunities between Spain and Vietnam are expected to increase soon because producer Levene is a veteran documentary filmmaker. He has produced some 40 documentaries, of which he had also been the director for about half.
At the discussion, filmmakers of the two countries also expressed their desire to not only promote cooperation opportunity between Vietnam and Spain but also introduce culture and movies to people of their respective countries.
In addition, the department signed agreements with several partners from South Korea, France, and Poland on filmmaking cooperation and development. The agreements include cooperation in professional know-how exchange to educate employees, production techniques and distribution, as well as cooperation for future film co-productions.
