After two successful editions, the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) is gradually affirming its position as a prestigious film event in the region.
To bring Vietnamese cinema to international level
Not only is it a place to honor outstanding works, DANAFF also creates a fair and professional playground for Vietnamese filmmakers, giving them the opportunity to exchange, learn and reach further in the international film industry.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the Vietnam Association for the Promotion of Cinematography, emphasized that from the very beginning, DANAFF has prioritized objectivity and transparency. The festival’s jury always consists of Vietnamese and international experts, to ensure impartial and unbiased assessments.
"For the Vietnamese film category, we invite 2/5 judges who are international experts. As for the Asian film category, the jury always has at least 3-4 foreign judges, combined with 1-2 Vietnamese experts. The jury harmoniously combines famous domestic filmmakers and critics and foreign experts such as: Writer Dai Tu Kiet - former Director of the "CineFondation" Fund of the Cannes Film Festival - Georges Goldenstern, Director of the Berlin Film Festival (2019 - 2024) Meriette Rissenbeek (Germany), actress Tran Nu Yen Khe, young director Ha Le Diem,...
This is how we maintain the quality and professionalism of the award from the very beginning," Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan shared.
The rigor of the judging process has helped DANAFF become a truly valuable award. In the first two editions, the Best Film award went to Vietnamese works: Children in the Mist (Ha Le Diem) in 2023 and Coolies never cry (Pham Ngoc Lan) in 2024. This is not only a source of pride but also affirms a reality: Vietnamese films are gradually reaching new heights, capable of competing equally with international works.
What makes DANAFF different from many other film festivals is the strictness in the selection process. While the Asian film category focuses on artistic works with high aesthetic value and is often sought after by international film festivals, the Vietnamese film category offers a more comprehensive view of the domestic cinema scene.
DANAFF not only selects art films but also opens the door to quality commercial works. Films with the best professional values, reflecting the movement and trends of Vietnamese cinema in the year will have the opportunity to participate. The number of films is limited to 8-10 works to ensure the quality of input, instead of being open but less selective.
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan hopes to create a balance between art films and commercial films, helping audiences gradually form more sophisticated tastes. When a Film Festival is organized systematically and annually, it not only improves the quality of the film industry but also contributes to shaping the public's enjoyment habits.
For young filmmakers pursuing arthouse films, the road is not easy. Each work can take 5-10 years to complete, while production budgets are very limited. Many directors have to take on multiple jobs to maintain their passion.
DANAFF hopes to become a place to fuel their fire so that the Festival not only honors excellent works, but also seeks to create opportunities for young directors to bring their films to the world.
Besides, commercial films are not forgotten. More and more young directors are clearly defining their direction and making efforts to create higher quality entertainment works, contributing to changing the face of Vietnamese cinema.
Enhancing the brand of Danang Asian Film Festival
The 3rd DANAFF Film Festival, scheduled to take place in June 2025, will take place over 7 days instead of 5 days as usual. This year, the Film Festival will have a special program called "War Cinema", on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South - National Reunification. More than 20 typical war films, starting from The Wild Fields will be screened. This is not only an opportunity for audiences to review history, but also helps domestic and international filmmakers gain a deeper insight into the subject of war through the lens of cinema.
One of the goals of DANAFF 2025 is to affirm the role of war cinema in the development of Vietnamese cinema. This is not only a film genre that preserves historical memories but also an opportunity for young filmmakers to approach true artistic values. The organizers emphasize that filmmaking is not only for entertainment but also needs to reach a certain professional standard. Works that are purely for the audience or simply create laughter without depth will not be selected for the festival.
Another highlight of DANAFF 2025 is the "Film Spotlight" program, with the guest of honor being the Korean film industry - one of the most successful film industries in Asia. In addition to the special film screenings, the Organizing Committee will organize seminars and discussions with the participation of leading experts from Korea, to share experiences in developing the film industry.
In addition, DANAFF 2025 will organize two "Project Markets", creating opportunities for young filmmakers to meet and exchange with producers and directors. Despite the high cost of organization, the Organizing Committee is still determined to support potential ideas. Filmmakers will participate in in-depth workshops before entering the presentation round, where the best projects will be awarded and open up investment opportunities.
Within the framework of the program, projects will participate in workshops with experts to help perfect their scripts and production plans. After that, they will enter the pitching round, where producers and investment funds will choose the most potential projects to support.
"Although the cost of organizing the "Project Market" is very high, the Organizing Committee is still determined to carry it out to open up opportunities for young talents, help them connect with international partners and enter the professional film market," said the Chairman of the Vietnam Cinema Promotion and Development Association.
DANAFF 2025 is not only a bridge for exchange between Vietnamese and international filmmakers, but also creates opportunities to learn from developed cinema. With the "focus on Korean cinema", the Festival hopes to gain experience in production, distribution and branding strategies, aiming to bring Vietnamese films to the world.
With serious investment and attention from many international corporations, businesses and organizations wanting to accompany the event, DANAFF 2025 promises to be an explosive film festival. DANAFF is not only a film event, but also a launching pad to bring Vietnamese films to the world, a place where talents, passion and aspirations to elevate the country's cinema converge. At the same time, it is gradually affirming its role in connecting Vietnamese cinema with the world, improving professional quality and bringing audiences richer and more diverse cinematic experiences.
Source: https://baolangson.vn/danaff-diem-hen-dien-anh-chau-a-va-giac-mo-vuon-tam-cua-phim-viet-5039542.html
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