Strategic choices in the development of public culture

*The scene shows the two main characters releasing floating lanterns on the Hoai River, in episode eight of "As You Stood By". Photo: Netflix*

History and landscapes await their cinematic debut.

Currently, Da Nang city has expanded its scope with rich cultural resources that can promote the development of all cultural industries. The plan for developing cultural industries within the old Da Nang city area, although only issued a few months ago, is somewhat outdated and needs to be adjusted and supplemented to suit the new situation and potential.

The city should prioritize certain cultural industries that have the greatest potential for development within the local historical and cultural context, specifically film, cultural tourism , handicrafts, and folk arts, which possess outstanding advantages.

Vietnam currently has four localities recognized as members of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. Among them, Hoi An is recognized in the field of handicrafts and folk arts. Along with supporting Hoi An to maintain its position in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, Da Nang city can focus on investing in and promoting the film and cultural tourism sectors, which have significant potential.

Da Nang has a rich and dramatic history; a place where ancient Chinese and Indian cultures clashed; where Dai Viet and Champa met; and the first place to resist colonial rule in the modern era. Da Nang's history is a treasure trove of material for film scripts, depicting the exploits of kings and rulers, the plight of migrants, and the intertwined love stories orchestrated for the greater good.

Along with that history, Da Nang's landscape, from its deep, dark mountains to its vast ocean, is a fascinating film set awaiting talented directors. There you'll find the Truong Son Road with its heroic and tragic battles, the mysterious Champa temples and towers, the ancient town of Hoi An with its encounters between Japan and China, and the vibrant Han River estuary welcoming ships from all corners of the world.

Da Nang on the world film map

Recently, images of Con Market, Hoi An ancient town, My Khe beach, and even the charming voices of Da Nang residents have appeared in the South Korean film "As You Stood By," currently streaming on Netflix in 30 countries.

Another example in the film industry in 2025 is the film Before the Sea Forgets, by director Le Ngoc Duy, which was shortlisted for screening at the Cannes Film Festival (France), in the "Directors' Week" category.

Born and raised in Da Nang, Le Ngoc Duy chose Son Tra and the city of Da Nang as the setting for his film. The director stated that he chose Da Nang because of the city's historical significance and the stories he had heard since childhood.

To further highlight the potential and opportunities for the development of Da Nang's film industry, there is a team of writers deeply connected to the city's history and culture, whose novels have won prestigious national and regional awards, and who could potentially be adapted into feature film scripts.

Currently, Da Nang city lacks the human resources and infrastructure for the film industry that Ho Chi Minh City possesses, but it does have a team of screenwriters and directors who are trained and have practical experience in television and documentary films; some have won high awards at film festivals. Furthermore, many talented individuals in Da Nang are actively creating content on social media and digital platforms.

In terms of the international environment, since 2023, Da Nang has been the venue for the annual Asian Film Festival. This provides an opportunity for those involved in the film industry in Da Nang to network and participate in professional exchange activities.

If the city focuses on investing in infrastructure, training local personnel, and attracting talent from elsewhere, the goal of having films about Da Nang, and of Da Nang, featured in Asian and international film festivals is entirely achievable. The powerful communicative nature of cinema will undoubtedly drive the development of other cultural industries, such as cultural tourism, handicrafts, advertising, and performing arts.

Therefore, in the context of the whole country developing the cultural industry, a sensible choice for Da Nang city is to focus on a few sectors where Da Nang has the greatest advantage, rather than spreading itself too thin beyond its actual capabilities. With a vision extending to 2045, hopefully there is still time for Da Nang city to establish itself as a key cultural industry center of the country, with a brand that resonates across the continent and the world.

Source: https://baodanang.vn/lua-chon-chien-strateg-trong-phat-trien-cong-van-hoa-3317154.html