As part of the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), the Script Lab under DANAFF Talents continues to serve as a platform for discovering, nurturing, and supporting emerging filmmakers while creating opportunities for Vietnamese film projects to engage with an international network of industry professionals.
In 2026, the Organizing Committee of DANAFF IV, in collaboration with Columbia University (USA) and international partners, will present the Genre Film Projects program through the Script Lab format. The program brings together a distinguished group of mentors, including producers, screenwriters, directors, and educators with extensive experience in the global film industry.
Throughout the eight-day intensive screenplay workshop, mentors will work directly with participants through one-on-one consultations, providing feedback, critical insights, and professional guidance to help develop and refine selected projects.
International mentors of Script Lab 2026
Jack Lechner
Producer, professor, and writer with extensive experience in both the film industry and higher education. He has been involved in numerous international film projects and has taught filmmaking in the United States. Jack Lechner is widely recognized for his contributions to project development, screenwriting education, and supporting emerging filmmakers in connecting with international markets.
Tony Bui
Vietnamese-American screenwriter, director, and professor. He is known for his acclaimed works that have been featured at major international film festivals. Alongside his creative career, Tony Bui actively mentors filmmakers and contributes to film education and project development initiatives.
Anthony Chen
Screenwriter, director, and producer from Singapore. As one of the leading voices in contemporary Asian cinema, Anthony Chen has received critical acclaim and international recognition for his films. His experience in screenplay development and film production is expected to provide valuable practical perspectives for participating projects.
Sabrina Dhawan
Indian screenwriter and professor whose work spans both international cinema and screenwriting education. She has taught and mentored in numerous film programs across the United States and Asia. Sabrina Dhawan is known for developing stories that resonate globally while remaining deeply rooted in local cultural identities.
Kristy Lowrey
Screenwriter and producer with extensive experience in content development and film production. She has worked on a variety of film projects and educational initiatives, supporting emerging filmmakers in refining screenplays and developing project strategies.
Phillip Van
Vietnamese-American screenwriter with significant experience in both film and television writing. He has participated in numerous mentorship and training programs, helping young writers shape stories that can connect with international audiences.
Expanding opportunities for Vietnamese film projects
The participation of internationally respected mentors offers participants access to contemporary approaches to screenplay development while creating opportunities for Vietnamese film projects to connect with a broader network of industry professionals, producers, and potential partners.
Through intensive mentoring sessions, participating projects will receive guidance on screenplay structure, story development, and project positioning. The program also provides an opportunity for stories rooted in Vietnamese culture and identity to reach wider regional and international audiences.
DANAFF IV will take place from June 28 to July 4, 2026, in Da Nang under the slogan “DANAFF – Bridging Asia to the World.” The Script Lab under DANAFF Talents is one of the festival’s key professional activities, contributing to the development of Vietnam’s film industry while strengthening connections with the international filmmaking community.
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