Following two successful editions and its recognition among the Top 10 Cultural Events of 2023 and 2024 by the The Thao & Van Hoa (Sports and Culture) Newspaper, the 3^rd edition of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III) will take place from June 29 – July 5 in Da Nang. Compared to previous years, DANAFF III marks a significant leap in terms of scale, duration, and programming.

More highlights and innovations

One of the major changes in DANAFF III is the extension of its duration to seven days, up from five in previous editions. Over 100 films have been selected for screening, compared to 46 in DANAFF I and 63 in DANAFF II.

The number of film screenings has also doubled to around 200 sessions. Notably, the festival has introduced several new features, including the programme “Panorama of Asian Cinema” which showcases Asian films that have earned recognition at international festivals over the past year, as well as titles making their premiere at DANAFF. For the first time, the “Asian Film Critics Award” will be presented within this programme.

At a press conference held in Ha Noi by the Viet Nam Film Development Association and the Da Nang People’s Committee to announce DANAFF III, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi stated that DANAFF III will continue to offer a creatively rich artistic space for filmmakers, directors, and actors to gather, exchange ideas, and inspire one another. “Through this event, we hope to introduce the image of Da Nang as a young, dynamic, and culturally vibrant city to international friends” she emphasized.

In the “Spotlight on Cinema” programme, South Korea has been chosen as the featured country, representing a film industry with significant influence in both the region and the world. The organizing committee of DANAFF III is collaborating with the Korean Cultural Centre in Viet Nam, the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), and the Korean Film Archive (KOFA) to select 14 iconic films produced from the 1960s to the present. These will be presented in the showcase “Milestones of Korean Cinema Over Time” reflecting the artistic prowess and cultural depth of the Korean film industry.

In addition, there will be the seminar titled “Korean Cinema: Lessons in International Success and Film Industry Development”, aimed at fostering in-depth, open discussions on Korean cinema both through critical studies and practical insights. The event will bring together scholars, experts, and filmmakers to explore creativity, management, and operations within the Korean film industry.

Vietnamese and Korean cinema have shown similarities in themes and cinematic language, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s. However, from the 1990s onward, Korean cinema has made remarkable strides on the international stage. Drawing from this context, the seminar is expected to offer practical experiences and valuable reference points for regional film industries.

The awards ceremony at the 2nd edition of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF II). Photo: P.V.

Promoting artistic values and nurturing talent

In collaboration with the Viet Nam Film Institute, DANAFF III will present the programme “Half a Century of Vietnamese War Films”. Accordingly, a total of 22 selected films will offer diverse cinematic perspectives on war. According to the organizers, the selected films, all produced after 1975, have been honored at domestic and international film festivals and remain memorable to Vietnamese audiences. Screenings will be accompanied by interactive sessions between audiences and renowned war film artists from different generations.

Through selected films about the war, filmmakers and audiences will experience new perspectives, ways of thinking, and ways of expression of filmmakers in the 50 years since the country’s reunification compared to films produced during wartime. Also, a seminar titled “The Legacy of Vietnamese War Films Since Reunification” will offer a comprehensive assessment of the genre’s achievements, values, and place within national cinema.

A notable highlight of DANAFF III will be the “DANAFF Talents” initiative – a series of training and project development activities for young, promising filmmakers. This will include the “Nurturing Talent” acting workshop, the “Project Market”, and master classes with industry experts. These aim to foster exchange and provide access to professional networks both in Viet Nam and global.

In a major milestone, the “Project Market” will be held for the first time as a flagship component of DANAFF Talents. It will feature two main categories: Asian art film projects and Vietnamese projects of all genres. Despite being a new addition, the “Project Market” has drawn strong interest from filmmakers across the globe, highlighting DANAFF’s growing professional appeal as a hub of cinematic creativity. From the submitted entries, the organizing committee has selected 14 promising projects for development.

Included in the “Project Market” will be a four-day intensive workshop, guided by internationally recognized mentors and supported by prominent regional film funds. This initiative will provide practical support for Vietnamese film projects in their early stages.

Additionally, DANAFF III will continue its acting workshops with both basic and advanced classes. A thematic seminar entitled “Discovering and Nurturing Film Talent: International Experiences and Viet Nam’s Solutions” will bring together top instructors, artists, and experts to discuss strategies for developing high-quality human resources in the film industry. Notably, 2025 will see the highest number of young acting talents from Da Nang and Central Viet Nam participating in the festival.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong praised DANAFF III as a major step forward, reaffirming the festival’s position as a prestigious cinematic gathering in the region. DANAFF not only honors outstanding films but also serves as a platform for professional exchange between Vietnamese and international filmmakers. With its scale, professionalism, and high-quality programming, DANAFF III promises to deliver exceptional works while fostering industry learning and collaboration.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG – Translating by M.DUNG