'Bond girl' Jane Seymour attends Da Nang Asian Film Festival, praises Vietnam

A 'Bond girl' refers to a female character in the James Bond film franchise who typically plays the love interest, ally, or adversary of James Bond, the fictional British spy known as Agent 007.

Seymour is best known for her role as Solitaire, a psychic tarot reader in 'Live and Let Die,' the eighth installment in the James Bond series.

During DANAFF IV, which opened on June 28 and runs until July 4 in Da Nang City, central Vietnam, the actress will meet Vietnamese audiences following a screening of 'Somewhere in Time' as part of the festival's American Cinema Spotlight program.

She is also set to lead an Acting Masterclass program under the DANAFF Talents 2026, offering aspiring actors a rare opportunity to learn from her more than five decades of experience.

The festival marks Seymour's second visit to Vietnam.

She first visited the country as a painter and interior designer, when a colleague introduced her to a large design workshop and to the culture of Ho Chi Minh City.

Describing the experience as very special, she said she felt at the time that she needed to return to Vietnam.

Seymour said she was really happy and excited to receive an invitation to attend DANAFF IV.

She said she was particularly impressed by Vietnamese people, whom she described as having deep souls.

She also praised Vietnamese cuisine as among the best in the world, highlighted the beauty of Da Nang, and added that she hoped to share the city's scenery on her social media accounts.

Seymour believed 'Somewhere in Time' would resonate with Vietnamese audiences, noting that its story of enduring love and a connection that transcends time aligns closely with cultural values in Vietnam.

She said introducing an authentic Vietnam and its local culture to the world is immensely valuable.

She encouraged Vietnamese filmmakers to focus on stories exploring the human condition and universal themes, saying these are the kinds of narratives international audiences are seeking.

She added that exceptional actors can be found everywhere regardless of background, and noted that Asian performers are increasingly making their mark on the global stage.

Born in 1951, Seymour has embraced new challenges throughout her career and hopes her more than 50 years of experience will inspire young actors never to give up.

She has built a versatile career spanning Broadway theater, film, and television, portraying heroes, villains, assassins, and comedic roles, including a memorable performance in the 2005 American romantic comedy 'Wedding Crashers.'

'Somewhere in Time,' starring Seymour, will be screened as part of the American Cinema Spotlight program, which showcases classic Hollywood films.

Seymour said acting is not only an intellectual pursuit but also a highly physical one.

Her background in ballet and martial arts has helped her control her body, perform action sequences, and move convincingly in period productions.

She said she believed the most powerful moments in cinema often happen in the silence between lines, allowing characters to reveal their emotions and inner lives most authentically without the need for words.

Beyond her affection for Vietnam and its people, Seymour expressed strong support for emerging film festivals, saying they provide a platform to discover new talent, fresh storytelling, and films that may not yet have international commercial appeal.

She pointed to the global success of South Korean cinema as the result of years spent nurturing such creative potential.

She said she enjoys traveling the world and has attended film festivals even smaller than DANAFF.

Having served on juries of numerous international film festivals, she believes such events create an ideal environment for fostering a love of cinema and inspiring creativity.