Third Asian film festival opens in Da Nang

The jury members of the competition categories at the opening ceremony. (Photo: VNA)

The third Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2025 (DANAFF III) officially opened at the Ariyana International Convention Centre in the central city on June 29 evening.

Attending the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Theory Council and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, highlighted DANAFF as a significant cultural event that further demonstrates Vietnam’s strong commitment to respecting cultural diversity, developing cultural industries, and enhancing cinematic cooperation in the region and the world.

Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo member, Chairman of the Central Theory Council and President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics delivers an opening speech at the event (Photo: VNA)

He praised the annual festival as a growing regional platform that is becoming increasingly professional and distinctive. This year’s edition is especially meaningful as Vietnam marks major milestones, including the 50th anniversary of the national reunification and the 80th anniversary of its foundation.

A key feature of DANAFF III is the “Half a Century of Vietnamese War Films” programme, showcasing 22 notable films that reflect both artistic merit and historical value, capturing the Vietnamese people’s struggle for peace and independence.

Thang also commended the festival’s increasing professionalism, diverse award categories, and effective public-private partnership engaging filmmakers, producers, managers, and businesses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Le Trung Chinh affirmed the city’s vision to become a hub of cultural creativity and a rising centre for the film industry in Vietnam and the region at large.

“Cinema is not only an art form but also a driving force for economic growth, a medium to promote the city’s image, and a bridge between peoples,” he said. Da Nang pledges continued investment and support for DANAFF’s sustainable and professional growth.

Running from June 29 to July 5 under the theme “DANAFF – Bridging Asia”, the festival aims to honour outstanding cinematic works with rich humanistic value, fresh perspectives, and unique artistic expression. It also seeks to connect and nurture emerging talent in Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.

DANAFF III, jointly organised by the Vietnam Film Development Association, the Da Nang People’s Committee, and other partners, marks a leap in scale and quality, introducing new highlights such as a programme spolighting the Korean cinema, a film project incubator, the Asian cinema panorama featuring top Asian films honoured at recent international festivals, and the launch of an Asian film critics award.

With its growing scale, professionalism, and artistic quality, DANAFF III promises to offer exceptional cinematic experiences and foster cross-cultural exchange. The festival further strengthens Da Nang’s position as a vibrant cultural and creative city with international appeal./.

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