Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2026 returns with expanded, more comprehensive scale

The information was shared by Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, vice-person of the Da Nang People’s Committee, at a ceremony reviewing activities in 2025, outlining tasks for 2026, and announcing plans for DANAFF IV, organized by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA). 

The event was held in Hanoi on Friday.

DANAFF, a familiar meeting point

According to Thi, after three editions, DANAFF has become a familiar meeting point for film enthusiasts, serving as a hub for creative talents and inspiring exchanges.

While the theme of previous annual editions was 'DANAFF – Bridging Asia,' DANAFF IV will carry a new message of 'DANAFF – Bridging Asia to the World.'

“This reflects the festival’s strategic vision to expand its connecting role, gradually integrating Asian cinema more deeply with global cinema and bringing DANAFF closer to international friends,” Thi said.

The festival’s highlights will remain its two main competition categories, Asian In–competition Films and Vietnamese In-competition Films, alongside a wide range of non-competitive programs.

Notable among them are a film series marking 40 years of Vietnam’s 'Doi Moi' (Renovation) and a U.S. Cinema Spotlight.

According to Ngo Phuong Lan, head of VFDA and director of DANAFF, the fourth DANAFF edition is positioned not only as an artistic film festival but also as a platform connecting the regional film industry, while further expanding professional activities, training, and production networking.

“The activities are designed to combine film promotion, production networking, and professional dialogue, contributing to more substantive and long-term cooperation for Vietnamese cinema,” she said.

Vietnamese cinema’s growing visibility

Looking back at 2025, Lan described it as an especially dynamic year marked by numerous large-scale events and activities, either organized by the association or jointly implemented with domestic and international partners.

On average, the association organized a major event every one to two months, both at home and abroad, creating a continuous and sustained series of activities throughout the year.

Beyond DANAFF, the association has promoted Vietnamese cinema at key international markets and film forums in the U.S, France, South Korea, and Japan, while also maintaining Vietnam’s presence at major film festivals such as Cannes Film Festival, Busan International Film Festival, and Tokyo International Film Festival.

According to Ta Quang Dong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the association has played a bridging role between state management agencies and localities, filmmakers; and more importantly, it has been an active and effective bridge bringing Vietnamese cinema closer to regional and global cinema.