On July 31, 2024, Beta Media (Vietnam) and Aeon Entertainment (Japan) officially announced their joint venture company in Vietnam. This joint venture will focus on developing and operating a high-end cinema chain; investing in cinematic film production and distributing Vietnamese, Japanese, and international films in the Vietnamese market. It is projected that tens of billions of Yen (several trillion VND) will be invested to build over 50 premium cinema locations under the brand Aeon Beta Cinema by 2035.
The announcement event of this joint venture marks a significant milestone in the development of Vietnamese cinema, as well as economic cooperation between Japan and Vietnam. The announcement ceremony attracted the participation of press agencies, units, and individuals operating in the film and entertainment industry. Notably, the event was honored to welcome Ms. Le Thi Thu Ha - representative of the Vietnam Cinema Department, Mr. Nobuyuki Fujiwara – Chairman of Aeon Entertainment, and Mr. Bui Quang Minh – Chairman of Beta Group.
Furthermore, the event received support from directors, film producers, and actors including: film producer - director Charlie Nguyen, director Phan Gia Nhat Linh, actress Kathy Uyen, director Phan Dang Di, Miss Universe Vietnam 2022 Nguyen Thi Ngoc Chau, MC Tung Leo, and child actress Cao Thuy Linh (Ca Rot).
It is known that by 2035, over 50 cinema locations under the Aeon Beta Cinema brand will be developed with an investment of tens of billions of Yen (several trillion VND). Featuring a modern style harmonizing with the traditional values of Vietnam and Japan, Aeon Beta Cinema locations will be present throughout the provinces and cities of Vietnam, bringing audiences the most wonderful movie-going experiences. The first Aeon Beta Cinema is expected to open in 2025.
This joint venture also aims to actively participate in film production and distribution. According to the agreement, cinematic film production and distribution projects will be implemented under the Aeon Beta brand, promising to bring audiences high-quality films rich in artistic and entertainment value.
Established in 2014, Beta Media is a company within the Beta Group ecosystem of businessman Bui Quang Minh (Shark Minh Beta). As a company developing and operating a cinema chain targeting the mid-range segment in Vietnam, Beta Media has developed 20 Beta Cinemas locations nationwide. Alongside the new Aeon Beta Cinema brand developed by the Joint Venture, the Beta Cinemas brand will continue to be promoted by Beta Media, serving mid-range customers (mass market) in the Vietnamese market.
On the strategic partner side, Aeon Entertainment is a subsidiary of Japan's Aeon Group. Established in 1991, Aeon Entertainment currently has 96 cinemas, being the largest cinema chain in the Land of the Rising Sun (as of July 2024). In particular, with the philosophy of expanding the boundaries of excitement for cinema enthusiasts and filling people's lives with joy and excitement, this entity is always at the forefront of premiering the latest movies in the world. The establishment of a joint venture in Vietnam also demonstrates Aeon Entertainment's potential and efforts to develop in the international market.
According to Mr. Nobuyuki Fujiwara – Chairman of Aeon Entertainment, Beta Media is the perfect partner, as this enterprise has an in-depth understanding of the Vietnamese market, superior marketing knowledge, and the ability to connect with a strong local network. “Cinema has the ability to connect people and souls. We believe in that power and will continue to challenge ourselves to bring surprise and excitement to customers in Vietnam,” Mr. Nobuyuki Fujiwara affirmed.
Sharing the same view as his partner, Mr. Bui Quang Minh, Chairman of Beta Group, emphasized: “This joint venture is a positive result of sharing vision, aspirations, as well as core values to jointly bring new experiences and sustainable value to the community. The combination of Aeon Entertainment, with its strong potential and long-standing experience in the film industry, and Beta Media, with its deep local understanding and innovative capacity, will create breakthrough development opportunities for both sides.”
With the establishment of the Joint Venture between Aeon Entertainment and Beta Media, the cinema, film production, and distribution market will gain a scaled and high-class brand, contributing to elevating the experience for movie lovers. Simultaneously, this Joint Venture also commits to building and developing Vietnamese-Japanese culture and relations, contributing to sustainable development for the community and society.