The Vietnamese Film Pavilion at the Busan International Film Festival not only promotes films, events, and images of the country, but also connects partners in film production, co-production, distribution, and brings international film crews to Vietnam to shoot.
Delegation attending the opening ceremony of the Vietnam Film Pavilion. (Photo: VFDA)
The Vietnamese film booth, organized by the Vietnam Film Promotion Association (VFDA), officially opened on October 10th at the Asian Film and Content Market (ACMF) at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Center (BEXCO), South Korea , as part of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2026).
Distinguished guests of international cinema at the Vietnam Cinema Booth.
The opening ceremony was presided over by Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Association. Attendees included Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang City; Ms. Doan Phuong Lan, Consul General of Vietnam in Busan; and numerous guests and international partners.
Mr. Brillante Ma Mendoza held discussions with Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA; and producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc, member of the VFDA Standing Committee and member of the BIFF 2026 Judging Panel.
Distinguished guests included Brillante Ma Mendoza, renowned producer and director, CEO and President of Center Stage Productions (CSP) Co., Philippines ; Jean-Marc Thérouanne, co-founder, Artistic Director and Executive Director of the Véoul International Film Festival on Asian Cinema (VIFFAC), France; and Irini Dewi Wanti, Director of the Film, Music and Arts Division of the Department for Cultural Development, Exploitation and Capacity Building, Ministry of Culture, Indonesia, leading the Indonesian delegation to the event.
The booth also welcomed a special guest, filmmaker Kim Dong Ho, former Chairman of BIFF and a respected international film activist from South Korea. He said he would attend a seminar organized by VFDA at 4 PM on October 11th, before traveling to Seoul for work.
Director Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi (Kyrgyzstan) at the Vietnam Film Pavilion.
Immediately after the opening ceremony, the booth attracted a large number of international producers, filmmakers, and partners who came to learn about and discuss cooperation opportunities. Director Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi (Kyrgyzstan), a familiar face at DANAFF for two consecutive seasons, also visited and met with VFDA leaders and colleagues. This director previously won the Best Asian Film award at DANAFF III in 2025 with his film "Deal at the Border".
At DANAFF IV in 2026, his project Zholdogu Bala (Stuck Like Babies) continued to win the top prize in the Asian Art Film Project category at the DANAFF Talents Project Incubator, with a prize of $8,600.
Connecting Vietnamese cinema with the international community.
Open from October 10th to 13th at booth B4, BEXCO, the Vietnam Cinema booth will provide an overview of Vietnamese cinema, the activities of the VFDA, and the Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF).
The Indonesian delegation was led by Ms. Irini Dewi Wanti, Director of the Film, Music and Arts Division of the Department for Cultural Development, Exploitation and Capacity Building, Ministry of Culture of Indonesia.
The booth also showcased the production environment, film crew support capabilities, and the Production Attraction Index (PAI), providing a basis for partners to understand the conditions for project implementation. Through direct meetings at ACFM, VFDA aims to identify needs, connect resources, and promote specific collaboration opportunities.
The focus is not only on promoting works, events, and images of the country, but also on connecting partners in film production, co-production, and distribution, and bringing international film crews to Vietnam to film.
Vietnam Film Pavilion
The Asian Film Festival - Da Nang is also a highlight of the Vietnamese Film Pavilion's promotional activities at the Busan International Film Festival 2026.
The system of images, videos , and publications provides information about outstanding film projects and activities, the DANAFF V program, talent development initiatives, and film projects. Images of Vietnam, especially Hanoi and Da Nang, help international partners learn more about the culture, landscapes, and potential locations for filming in Vietnam.
The Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF), an initiative organized by the Vietnam Food Association (VFDA) in collaboration with the Da Nang People's Committee since 2023, has gradually developed over four editions into a meeting space for Vietnamese cinema, Asian cinema, and international partners, while also expanding activities to develop talent, film projects, and connect the film industry.
From left to right: Mr. Jean-Marc Thérouanne, co-founder, Artistic Director and Executive Director of the Vesoul International Film Festival on Asian Cinema (VIFFAC), France; Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of VFDA; Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang; and Consul General of Vietnam in Busan, Doan Phuong Lan.
Not only is Da Nang the host of the annual Asian Film Festival in Da Nang, but it is also a destination and setting for many international film crews, notably "Love in Vietnam" from Indian cinema in 2025. The direct presence of Da Nang's leader, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, at the booth's events further demonstrates the city's efforts to welcome international filmmakers and producers.
Introducing DANAFF at BIFF 2026 contributes to bringing Da Nang's image closer to the international film network, expanding relationships with filmmakers, experts, film organizations, and potential partners. VFDA aims to develop DANAFF not only as an annual event, but also as a platform for professional networking, project development support, and regional cooperation promotion.
Along with information about DANAFF, Hanoi, Da Nang, and filming locations in Vietnam, the booth showcased the necessary conditions for international partners to access Vietnamese cinema in various aspects: works, talent, projects, events, and production capabilities.
The Vietnamese booth attracted a large number of international visitors who came to learn, exchange information, and connect for cooperation.
During ACFM, VFDA representatives continued to meet with producers, distributors, film organizations, film festivals, and international partners to discuss cooperation in production, co-production, distribution, and opportunities to bring foreign projects to film in Vietnam.
Mr. Park Kwang Su - President of the Busan International Film Festival at the Vietnam Film Booth.
The effectiveness of promotional activities is measured not only by the number of visitors or the level of recognition at the event, but also by the ability to maintain dialogue, continue exchanges after meetings, and gradually develop concrete collaborative projects.
Organizing the Vietnam Film Pavilion at BIFF 2026 is part of VFDA's strategy to maintain a focused presence in international film markets. Following Busan, VFDA plans to continue its promotional activities at the Tokyo International Film Festival at the end of October.
