The Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF), in its 4th edition, is set to become a regional cinematic hub, connecting film industries, artists, and audiences across Asia. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of Danang City People's Committee and head of the organizing committee, expressed her expectation that DANAFF will help Danang become a center for cultural, cinematic, and creative exchange, fostering international cooperation.

Vice Chairwoman of Danang City People's Committee, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, at the opening press conference for the 4th DANAFF. *Photo: Anh Vu*

This year's program is the largest to date, featuring 13 Asian films and 11 Vietnamese films competing for awards. A significant new addition is the market connection pillar, aiming to transform DANAFF beyond a film festival into a platform connecting the film industry. The organizing committee introduced the Industry Days program for the first time, bringing together about 10 domestic film studios and over 20 international partners.

Doctor Ngo Phuong Lan, director of the Danang Asian Film Festival, at the press conference on the afternoon of 27/6. *Photo: Anh Vu*

The festival enhances training activities through the DANAFF Talents program, designed to support filmmakers in developing their works. This year, 17 projects are participating in script development, alongside basic and advanced acting classes for over 50 students. Two specialized masterclasses on production and acting are directly taught by former 20th Century Fox CEO Bill Mechanic and acclaimed actress Jane Seymour. "We hope the film festival becomes a gathering point for industry professionals and film enthusiasts", Ngo Phuong Lan said.

The event gathers over 1,000 delegates, artists, filmmakers, and experts. International figures include Kim Dong Ho, founder of the Busan International Film Festival; director Johnnie To; actress Jane Seymour; producer Bill Mechanic; Korean actors Ji Chang Wook, Jung Il Woo, Park Sung Woong, Han Dong Hee; and Turkish actress Tuba Buyukustun. Domestic artists also present include People's Artist Nhu Quynh, Hoang Cuc, Lan Huong, Meritorious Artist Hong Anh, along with Do Thi Hai Yen, Lien Binh Phat, and Kieu Minh Tuan.

From left: Julien Rejl, artistic director of Cannes Directors' Fortnight; actress Kaity Nguyen; and director Tran Luc at the opening press conference for the 2026 Danang Asian Film Festival. *Photo: Anh Vu*

The Danang Asian Film Festival launched in 2023. Doctor Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association (VFDA) and DANAFF director, noted that DANAFF was established after the new Cinema Law came into effect in 2023, paving the way for socio-professional organizations and local authorities to host international film festivals. Its 4th edition takes place from 28/6 to 4/7 with the message "A Bridge from Asia to the World," co-organized by the Danang City People's Committee and the Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association.

Last season, director Khuong Ngoc's *Chi dau* (Sister-in-law) won four awards in the Vietnamese Film category. In the Asian Film category, Duong Dieu Linh's *Mua tren canh buom* (Rain on Butterfly Wings) received the Special Jury Award, while Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi's (Kyrgyzstan) *Deal at the Border* was named Best Film.

Cat Tien