On the evening of June 29, the Third Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2025 (DANAFF III) was officially inaugurated, marking the beginning of a week of vibrant artistic celebration and cinematic excellence. The festival, known for its diverse and thought-provoking film selections, features a range of genres from drama to documentary, and attracts participation from a diverse array of distinguished artists, actors, filmmakers, and cinema executives from both Vietnam and around the world.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of several high-ranking officials, including Politburo Member and Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council Nguyen Xuan Thang; Member of the Party Central Committee and Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung; Member of the Party Central Committee and Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Nguyen Van Quang; Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Le Trung Chinh; along with UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, all of whom contributed to the event’s significance.
Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, Mr. Le Trung Chinh, graciously delivered the opening remarks at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival III (DANAFF III).
In his address, he emphasized the festival’s significance in reaffirming Da Nang’s strategic vision of becoming a prominent cultural and creative hub for cinema, both in Vietnam and the broader region. He articulated that cinema transcends mere art; it serves as a catalyst for economic development, a means of enhancing the city’s profile, a conduit for fostering connections among communities, and a platform for nurturing and disseminating the values of truth, goodness, and beauty.
“We are truly honored to welcome talented individuals and remarkable artistic works from across the continent to converge, share, and connect here in Da Nang. The city is committed to promoting investment, offering support, and creating an environment conducive to the sustainable, professional, and distinctive growth of DANAFF,” reassured Chairman Le Trung Chinh, instilling optimism for the future of the festival.
Mr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, commended the festival’s increasing professionalism and cohesiveness. He highlighted the enriching content, the expanded scope, the diverse award categories, and the rising artistic merit evident in each successive edition.
He proposed that the Da Nang Asian Film Festival be strategically nurtured into a prestigious international film festival within the Asia-Pacific region, which would enhance Vietnam’s cultural and creative standing on the global stage and serve as a vital foundation for Da Nang’s aspiration to become a UNESCO Creative City shortly.
“The Da Nang Asian Film Festival represents a meaningful platform, contributing to the enhancement of research capabilities, strategic thinking, and collaboration aimed at shaping a modern, humane, and globally integrated Vietnamese cinema that reflects national identity”, emphasized Director Nguyen Xuan Thang, inspiring hope for the future of Vietnamese cinema.
Minister of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung, a Member of the Party Central Committee, graciously presented flowers to the esteemed Jury Board of DANAFF III.
Ms Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director-General, highlighted the significance of the third edition of DANAFF, showcasing the international community’s recognition of cinema in Viet Nam and across the broader region – from China to Kyrgyzstan, Japan, India, and the Republic of Korea (the RoK). She emphasized that Viet Nam, and Da Nang in particular, is becoming a vibrant convergence point for innovative ideas and creativity. Here, culture begets culture, and youthful innovation harmonizes with the timeless craftsmanship and knowledge passed down through generations, a testament to the global recognition of Vietnamese cinema.
“A new wave of Viet Nam in cinema is emerging, destined to leave a powerful mark. The international community is embracing this fresh wave of Vietnamese talent”, assessed the UNESCO Director-General.
Nguyen Van Quang, Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee, and Ngo Phuong Lan, Director of DANAFF III, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary South Korean director Im Kwon Taek, a towering figure in Korean cinema and a pioneer in establishing the prominence of Asian cinema on the international stage.
Due to health reasons, Director Im Kwon-taek was unable to attend the event in person. The Lifetime Achievement Award, a prestigious recognition of his significant contributions to Korean and Asian cinema, was presented to him. Mr. Kim Dong Ho, Founder and former Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, and Mr. Choi Youngsam, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Korea to Viet Nam, accepted the award on his behalf.
The DANAFF III continues to affirm the essential role of cinematic art within the creative content industry, spreading the humanistic values of cinema globally. At the same time, it enhances DANAFF’s standing as a premier film brand. It helps position Da Nang as an attractive destination on the world cinematic map.
DANANG CENTER FOR TOURISM PROMOTION
