Following three successful editions that left a strong and positive impact, the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV) is scheduled to return from June 28 to July 4, 2026 with a larger scale, more in-depth professional activities, and a clearer vision of promoting the international integration of Vietnam’s film industry.
During a working session between the leadership of the Da Nang People’s Committee and the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), key plans for DANAFF IV were agreed upon with the expectation of further establishing the festival as a prestigious cinematic event in the region, while promoting Da Nang as an emerging center of culture, tourism, and creativity in Vietnam.
Under the theme “DANAFF – Bridging Asia to the World,” this year’s festival is not only a platform for outstanding cinematic works but also aims to contribute to the development of a sustainable film ecosystem, fostering connections among producers, directors, actors, industry experts, and investors from Vietnam and abroad.
According to the plan, DANAFF IV is expected to welcome approximately 900 delegates, artists, and film professionals, including more than 200 international guests. The festival will continue to feature its two main competition categories: the Asian Film Awards and the Vietnamese Film Awards. Around 12 to 14 Asian films and 8 to 12 Vietnamese feature films are expected to be selected to compete for the festival’s honors.
The Organizing Committee has also designed an award system with both professional and financial significance to encourage filmmakers to invest in high-quality productions. The Best Asian Film Award will carry a prize of VND 135 million, while awards for directing, acting, and screenwriting will range from VND 54 million to VND 81 million. In the Vietnamese Film category, the Best Vietnamese Film Award will be valued at VND 70 million. In addition, the NETPAC Award, Critics’ Award, and Audience Award will continue to enrich the festival’s recognition of cinematic excellence.
A notable new feature of DANAFF IV is the expansion of its academic and industry-oriented activities. For the first time, topics such as intellectual property rights protection, Vietnamese cinema after 40 years of Doi Moi, and strategies for developing a sustainable film industry ecosystem will be discussed through a series of specialized seminars.
In addition, initiatives such as the Project Market, advanced masterclasses with international experts, and the Young Talents Program are expected to serve as incubators for emerging filmmakers while creating practical connections between film projects and potential investors.
Beyond its professional focus, DANAFF IV continues its mission of bringing cinema closer to the public through a wide range of side events, including outdoor screenings, artist meet-and-greet sessions, the DANAFF’s Cinephiles community, and thematic programs dedicated to Asian cinema, American cinema, and contemporary Vietnamese cinema.
The continued development and elevation of DANAFF is considered an important step in Da Nang’s strategy for advancing its cultural industries. Through cinema, the city not only promotes its image as a dynamic, creative, and welcoming destination but also gradually strengthens its capacity to host large-scale international cultural events, contributing to tourism growth and enhancing cultural exchange within the region and around the world.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
