Speaking at the festival's opening on 29/6, Nguyen Xuan Thang, director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics and chairman of the Central Theory Council, stated, "Cinema is not just an art form, but also a key sector of the cultural industry, holding significant value in terms of ideology, education, and economic development in general, and the film economy in particular". He emphasized the need to position DANAFF as a prestigious international film festival in the Asia-Pacific region.

Professor Nguyen Xuan Thang at the opening ceremony. Photo: Nguyen Dong

Professor Nguyen Xuan Thang at the opening ceremony. Photo: Nguyen Dong

According to Thang, the "Half a Century of Vietnamese Cinema" program, featuring 22 notable films on the theme of revolutionary war, holds high artistic value and serves as a vivid record of Vietnam's history and fighting spirit.

The organizers selected films produced after 1975, reflecting the spirit of the times and the development of Vietnamese cinema. Some of these films include: The Abandoned Field (1979), Mother is Away (1980), Dong Loc T-Junction (1997), Hanoi 12 Days and Nights (2002), The White Silk Dress (2006), and The Scent of Burning Grass (2011).

Audrey Azoulay, director-general of UNESCO, expressed her joy and honor at attending the opening ceremony. "Cinema has been an art form in Vietnam for centuries," she said. "Vietnamese cinema holds many testaments to both the glorious and dark moments of the 20th century. I understand there will be a section dedicated to the 50 years of national reunification."

Sister Sau Xoa (played by Thuy An) carries her child after avenging her husband's death at the end of The Abandoned Field. Photo: Giai Phong Film Studio

Sister Sau Xoa (played by Thuy An) carries her child after avenging her husband's death at the end of The Abandoned Field. Photo: Giai Phong Film Studio

The event began at 8 p.m. with a performance combining traditional Bai Choi music and a modern symphony orchestra, conducted by Nhat Minh.

Following the introduction of the jury and competing films, the audience enjoyed songs such as "Where Are You" from the film Legend of Quan Tien and "The Last Waltz" from Oldboy.

A highlight of the program was the Lifetime Achievement Award presented to 91-year-old South Korean director Im Kwon Taek. Unable to attend due to personal commitments, he shared his gratitude through a video message. Kim Dong Ho, former director of the Busan International Film Festival, and Choi Young Sam, South Korean ambassador to Vietnam, accepted the award on his behalf. According to Kim Dong Ho, the award is an honor for both the director and the Korean film industry.

Im Kwon Taek, known as the "father of modern Korean cinema," has directed over 100 films in his career spanning over half a century. His works often explore Korean culture, history, and spirit. At Cannes in 2002, he won the Best Director award for Chihwaseon, sharing the prize with Paul Thomas Anderson for Punch-Drunk Love.

Director Im Kwon Taek speaks upon receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. Video: Que Chi

Earlier, from 6:30 p.m., the red carpet buzzed with the arrival of South Korean actors Park Sung Woong and Moon So Ri, along with Vietnamese artists such as Minh Chau, Lan Huong, My Uyen, directors Phan Gia Nhat Linh and Le Thanh Son, and younger talents like Kha Ngan and Minh Anh.

The third Danang Asian Film Festival is overseen by the Danang People's Committee (UBND), organized by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism in collaboration with the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA). Compared to the previous two editions, DANAFF has been extended from five to seven days (29/6-5/7), with a significant increase in the number of films – over 100 films with 184 screenings at various cinemas and free outdoor screenings. This year, the festival features films that have competed in international film festivals and seven films making their international premiere.

The organizers have established a Young Film Critics Jury and expanded professional activities: seminars, discussions, artist exchanges, a "Nurturing Young Talent" workshop for young actors, combined with visits to local historical sites and scenic spots. In addition to "Half a Century of Vietnamese Cinema," other key programs include "Focus on Korean Cinema" and "Panorama of Asian Cinema."

Besides the Lifetime Achievement Award, other award categories include: Best Asian Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Screenplay, Best Vietnamese Film, Special Jury Prize, NETPAC Award, and Audience Award. For the first time, the organizers have introduced the Young Film Critics Award, alongside the main competition categories. The total cash prize value exceeds 500 million dong, with the Best Asian Film receiving 125 million dong, the DANAFF trophy, and a certificate.

Chi Linh