In the midst of ongoing discussions surrounding the film 'The Last Queen', the Nguyen Phuc Clan of Vietnam has issued a statement urging film crews to respect historical facts and consider changing character names if they stray too far from reality. On July 19, Nguyen Phuoc Buu Nam, the Chairman of the Nguyen Phuc Clan, shared with Thanh Nien that the council has sent a special announcement to cultural and film management agencies, media organizations, and the public, emphasizing the importance of historical accuracy in artistic and cinematic works inspired by the Nguyen Dynasty.

The announcement comes after several films inspired by the Nguyen Dynasty have sparked controversy, particularly regarding fictional elements related to historical figures such as Former Emperor Bao Dai, Empress Nam Phuong, and Empress Dowager Tu Cung. The council expressed concerns that the portrayal of these figures in various works has led to mixed opinions and could mislead the public about the true nature of these historical characters and contexts.

As guardians of the cultural and historical heritage of the Nguyen Dynasty, the council affirmed that while artistic creativity is important, it is crucial to approach the application of modern ethical standards and societal values to historical contexts with caution. Misinterpretations or unfounded representations could lead to misunderstandings among the public, especially regarding real historical figures and events.

Regarding the portrayal of historical characters, the council insists that depictions of Former Emperor Bao Dai, Empress Nam Phuong, and Empress Dowager Tu Cung should be based on reliable sources such as archival materials, letters, memoirs, photographs, and testimonies from relevant individuals. If fictional details that lack a solid basis directly relate to the identities of historical figures, they could harm the honor of these figures and negatively impact their descendants and those studying and preserving the historical values of the Nguyen Dynasty.

To balance the right to artistic freedom with historical responsibility, the council recommends that production and distribution units transparently disclose the sources for any fictional elements related to historical figures when introducing their works. Additionally, they should provide disclaimers or clarifications for fictional content that could easily mislead the public into believing it is factual.

In cases where a work employs many creative elements but cannot be verified by reliable sources, the council suggests reconsidering the names of characters to avoid confusion, ensuring compliance with legal regulations and professional ethics. The Nguyen Phuc Clan emphasizes its respect for artistic freedom and appreciates works that contribute to the dissemination of historical and cultural values. However, they also stress that protecting the honor of historical figures and maintaining the integrity of history is a necessary responsibility in the face of unfounded interpretations.

The council hopes that management agencies, researchers, creative units, media, and the public will work together to preserve and promote the historical and cultural values of the nation in an objective and scientific manner while respecting the truth. As reported by Thanh Nien, the film 'The Last Queen' has recently become a hot topic of discussion on social media, with debates not only about the cast but also regarding the costumes and certain details presented in the teaser released on July 7.