On the evening of 19/6, Mr. Dang Tran Cuong, Director of the Cinema Department, announced that the official letter had been sent to film production and distribution units. According to the department's representative, the regulatory body recently observed a significant increase in horror films. Some of these works overly focus on elements of violence, gore, or superstition and sensationalism.

Many films have lacked adequate investment in artistic quality and cinematic language, failing to convey humanistic values or social messages. Beyond Vietnamese productions, numerous imported horror films have also required content adjustments to comply with regulations.

Artist Van Dung in a scene from the horror film "Quy nhap trang 2", released in March. Photo: Film crew provided

The department urged units to uphold their social responsibility, contributing to aesthetic guidance, particularly for youth and easily influenced audience groups. Producers and distributors should balance and diversify topics and genres, encouraging works with high ideological, artistic, and humanistic value that authentically reflect life.

The Cinema Department also called on units to prioritize works that promote Vietnamese history, culture, nature, and people. They should also spread positive stories that inspire patriotism, thereby fostering national pride and love for the homeland among the younger generation.

"For both Vietnamese films and foreign films imported and distributed in Vietnam, careful consideration is needed when selecting, developing, and presenting themes that contain elements of violence, horror, superstition, or content that could negatively impact viewers' perceptions and behavior," the official letter stated.

Since the beginning of the year, horror films have dominated the market, overshadowing other genres, with many productions achieving significant box office success. During the 30/4 and 1/5 holidays, "Phi phong" and "Heo nam mong"—two Vietnamese films inspired by supernatural legends—both exceeded 100 billion VND. In early June, "Ma xo," featuring artists Hanh Thuy, Le Khanh, and Tin Nguyen, grossed 135 billion VND, entering the top three Vietnamese horror films with the highest revenue to date.

According to Box Office Vietnam, an independent box office observer, the top three highest-grossing films of the week currently feature supernatural or zombie themes, including "Ma xo," "Lau chu Hoa," and the South Korean film "Colony" (Swarm of Zombies). However, most of these films suffered from script weaknesses, overused jumpscare tactics, or cliche climax resolutions, with many illogical details.

Mai Nhat