Vietnam should build film ecosystem linking culture, tourism, creative technology: deputy PM

Speaking at the opening ceremony for the festival, themed ‘DANAFF – A Bridge from Asia to the World,’ and running until July 4, Tra affirmed that the government will continue to support and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese film industry to grow stronger.

The festival, she said, has quickly established its credibility and become an important bridge connecting Vietnamese cinema with the region, helping raise the international profile of the country’s film industry.

She attributed this progress to the Party and state's consistent policy of viewing culture as the spiritual foundation of society, an internal driving force, a form of soft power, and a driver of sustainable national development.

Cinema is not only an art form but also a creative industry with significant potential, capable of strengthening national branding and generating new momentum for development in this new era, she noted.

To further strengthen the industry and support DANAFF’s growth in the coming years, Deputy PM Tra urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Da Nang administration, and relevant agencies to improve institutions and policies, unlock resources, and create a more enabling environment driven by talent, creativity, technology, and investment.

She also called for efforts to elevate the festival, develop a film ecosystem linked with culture, tourism and creative technology, and position Da Nang as an attractive destination and a friendly hub for international filmmakers and film events.

She stressed the need to inspire creativity among artists to produce works with strong ideological, artistic and cultural value that can resonate with audiences at home and abroad, while fostering a civilized film audience that respects intellectual property rights and supports the sustainable development of Vietnam’s film industry.

“The government will continue to accompany and create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese film industry to develop even more strongly,” she said.

Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, deputy chairwoman of the Da Nang administration and head of the DANAFF IV organizing board, said the festival is not only a cultural event but also a strategic component in building Da Nang’s cultural brand.

She said the festival carries the ambition of creating an international film space where filmmakers, artists, experts, producers, distributors, researchers, critics and film enthusiasts can meet, exchange ideas and cooperate, while generating both economic and cultural value.

Ngo Phuong Lan, chairwoman of the Vietnam Association for Promotion and Development of Cinema, director of the DANAFF IV, and co-head of the event’s organizing board, said Asian cinema is becoming increasingly prominent on the global film map.

She noted that Asian stories not only reflect distinctive cultural identities but also touch on universal human values.

She expressed hope that DANAFF would continue to serve as a platform where creative voices meet, spread and connect with international audiences.

Following the opening night, audiences will experience a week-long program of screenings, networking events, workshops, masterclasses, and seminars.

Film director Dang Thai Huyen, whose film ‘Mua do’ (Red Rain) is competing at the festival, said that while winning awards is a shared aspiration of the crew, it is not the ultimate goal.

She noted that the DANAFF has increasingly become an important professional platform for both Vietnamese and international filmmakers, with its growing scale and the presence of world-renowned figures reflecting its rising quality.

Actor Doan Minh Anh, 18, attending the festival for the second time, said DANAFF serves as a major platform not only in Vietnam but across Asia.

She added that she hopes to learn from experienced artists and international filmmakers to further develop her skills, expressing optimism that the event will deliver strong results and recognize deserving works.