On January 16, in Hanoi, the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) held a ceremony to review activities in 2025, outline tasks for 2026, and announce plans for the fourth Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), scheduled to take place in Da Nang city from June 28 to July 4, 2026.
The VFDA has officially announced the plan for the Fourth Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), with the theme “DANAFF - A bridge from Asia to the world”, scheduled from June 28 to July 4 2026.
DANAFF IV is envisioned not just as an artistic film festival but as a platform connecting the regional film industry, continuing to expand professional activities, training, and production connections. Activities will be implemented in a way that combines film promotion, production connection, and professional dialogue, contributing to substantial and long-term cooperation for Vietnamese cinema.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) speaking at the event.
The year 2025 marks a significant phase of movement for Vietnamese cinema amid increasingly deep international integration. The increase in both quantity and quality of films, along with expanded presence at international film forums, indicates positive changes in the creativity, production, and integration capabilities of Vietnamese cinema on both regional and international levels.
In this context, the VFDA has focused on implementing key activities aimed at linking and promoting cinema with cultural diplomacy, emphasizing professional quality, depth of cooperation, and effective dissemination.
In 2025, the VFDA was honoured with a certificate of merit from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for outstanding achievements in coordination work; a certificate of merit from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for exemplary contributions to public diplomacy; and a certificate of merit from the People's Committee of Da Nang city for coordinating the organization of the third DANAFF.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the VFDA, stated that 2025 was an exceptionally vibrant year with numerous large-scale events and activities, either organized independently by the Association or in collaboration with domestic and international partners. On average, the Association hosted a major event every one to two months, both domestically and internationally, creating a continuous and persistent journey throughout the past year.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan also expressed her joy and honour at receiving generous and enthusiastic support from the Executive Committee, members, especially the invaluable companionship of sponsors and localities; some of which came as a pleasant surprise, filled with trust and deep sharing.
Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong appreciates the Association's activities
For his part, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Ta Quang Dong acknowledged the persistent and dedicated efforts of the Association in accompanying the development of Vietnamese cinema, especially in the areas of promotion, advertising, and international integration.
According to Deputy Minister Ta Quang Dong, 2025 can be affirmed as a landmark year for the Association in its role as a bridge between state management agencies and localities, filmmakers, and more importantly, as a dynamic and effective bridge bringing Vietnamese cinema closer to regional and global cinema.
“In the context of social integration, film development still faces many difficulties and challenges, but the Association remains active, proactively seeking opportunities to expand international cooperation, thereby enhancing the international search capability and professional image of Vietnamese cinema. I highly appreciate the Association's activities for bringing concrete results and positive media effects both domestically and internationally,” remarked the Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism.
Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang city Nguyen Thi Anh Thi affirms that the city will create all favorable conditions for DANAFF IV to be organized more professionally, safely, and effectively.
Speaking at the announcement of DANAFF IV, Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Member of the Standing Committee of the City Party Committee, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Da Nang city, pointed out that after three seasons, DANAFF has become a familiar rendezvous for film enthusiasts, a gathering place for creative talents and inspiring encounters.
Accordingly, the successes achieved by DANAFF in recent times have significantly contributed to the realization of the goal of building Da Nang into an “event city”, a “creative city”, and gradually forming a cultural industry centre of the country.
While the previous three seasons of DANAFF left a mark with the message “DANAFF – A Bridge to Asia”, DANAFF IV is announced with a new message: “DANAFF – A bridge from Asia to the world”. This is not only a change in message but also reflects the strategic vision of the Film Festival in expanding its role as a connector, from the Asian film space gradually integrating more deeply with global cinema, bringing DANAFF closer to international friends.
Delegates press the button to launch the Fourth Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV).
Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thi affirmed that Da Nang city will create all favourable conditions for DANAFF IV to be organized more professionally, safely, and effectively. This will contribute to promoting the image of a dynamic Da Nang, rich in national cultural identity, and full of potential for cultural industry development in the new phase.
In terms of scale, DANAFF IV is comprehensively expanded, expected to gather about 900 delegates, including leaders, artists, and top film experts, with over 200 international guests.
The highlight of the Film Festival remains the two main competition categories: Asian films and Vietnamese films, along with a rich non-competition program, notably the 40 Years of Innovation Film Series and the American Cinema Spotlight.
The Organizing Committee will select the best works from the region and representative feature films of Vietnamese cinema for the competition list. The works will be evaluated by the Jury of each category, consisting of renowned international and Vietnamese film experts or reputable professionals.
The award system is also meticulously designed with significant economic value, with the Best Asian Film award reaching 135 million VND (equivalent to 5.000 USD), along with many attractive individual awards for directors, actors, and scripts.
For the Vietnamese film competition category, the best film will receive a reward of 70 million VND, with individual awards ranging from 20-40 million VND.
