On a sunny Sunday afternoon in Da Nang, the city’s vibrant cultural scene was further ignited by the arrival of Korean actor Park Sung Woong, who charmed attendees at the opening press conference of the 3rd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III) by greeting the crowd in fluent Vietnamese with the heartfelt declaration, "I love Da Nang." This marked a significant moment for the festival, signaling its growing prominence and the deepening ties between Asian film industries.
Park Sung Woong, known for his compelling roles in action and villainous characters, arrived in Da Nang on June 28, 2025, alongside his crew to participate in the festival's opening events. The actor’s warm Vietnamese greeting was a surprise delight during the press conference held on the morning of June 29, setting a friendly and enthusiastic tone for the week-long celebration of cinema.
DANAFF III, running from June 29 to July 5, 2025, at the Ariyana International Convention Center, represents a marked evolution from its previous editions. Organized under the guidance of the Da Nang City People's Committee, in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Vietnam Film Development Promotion Association (VFDA), the festival has expanded both in scale and ambition. This year’s edition features an impressive lineup of 106 films competing—nearly double the number from last year—and extends its schedule from five days to a full week, reflecting the event’s growing stature.
Ms. Nguyen Thi Anh Thy, Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang City People's Committee, expressed pride in Da Nang’s role as a cultural hub, stating, "Da Nang is proud to be a meeting point for film lovers once again." She emphasized that DANAFF III honors creativity, cultural diversity, and the aspiration to connect film industries across the region. According to her, the festival is not just a showcase but a vibrant space for collaboration, inspiration, and cultural exchange among filmmakers, artists, and audiences.
Adding to this vision, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of VFDA and Director of DANAFF III, highlighted the strategic partnership signed late last year between VFDA and the Da Nang City People's Committee to establish DANAFF as an annual event through 2031. "Each year, we will dedicate time to gather in this beautiful coastal city," she remarked, underscoring Da Nang’s ideal location and potential to elevate the festival’s profile on the regional and global stage.
The festival’s theme, "DANAFF – Bridge to Asia," encapsulates its mission to connect Asian cinema and foster dialogue not only within Asia but also between Asia and other continents. Dr. Lan described the festival as a platform to bring the global film community closer together, fostering exchanges that transcend borders. "Welcome to DANAFF full of passion—eat film, sleep film, and dream film," she quipped, capturing the immersive spirit of the event.
One of the standout features of DANAFF III is its expanded and enriched program lineup. Among the highlights are two major thematic showcases: "Half a Century of Vietnamese War Films," which compiles 50 significant war-related Vietnamese films from the post-reunification era, and the "Spotlight on Korean Cinema," presenting a carefully curated selection of Korean films from the 1960s to the present day. This Korean cinema segment includes rare screenings outside Korea, made possible through collaboration with the Korean Cultural Center and the Korean Film Institute.
In addition, the festival introduces the "Panorama of Asian Cinema," a new program that features exemplary Asian films that have gained international acclaim over the past year, alongside premieres of films chosen specifically for DANAFF. Complementing this is the debut of the "Asian Film Critics Award," which aims to recognize critical excellence within the region.
Throughout the week, audiences can enjoy 184 screening sessions held across multiple venues, including major cinemas like Le Do, CGV, Galaxy, and Lotte, as well as free outdoor screenings at iconic locations such as Bach Dang Walking Street, East Sea Park, and the Lien Chieu District Administrative Center Square. This accessibility underscores the festival’s commitment to engaging a broad public audience.
The festival also maintains its professional international film festival structure, featuring competitive sections for both Asian and Vietnamese films, alongside the "Vietnamese Cinema Today" program showcasing 19 new Vietnamese productions from the past year. Attendees have opportunities to participate in seminars, panel discussions, and artist-audience interactions, enriching the festival experience.
Notable attendees include director Jang Joon-hwan, chairman of the Asian Film Competition Jury; People's Artist Minh Chau; director Bui Thac Chuyen; actress Tu Oanh; and a star-studded lineup of Korean actors such as Ji Chang-wook, Ji Seung-hyun, and Moon So-ri. Ji Seung-hyun, known for his role as Lieutenant Ahn Jung-joon in "Descendants of the Sun," will engage with audiences during a screening of his latest film, further enhancing the cross-cultural dialogue fostered by the festival.
The opening ceremony on June 29 promises a spectacular 75-minute show featuring a 45-piece symphony orchestra conducted by Tran Nhat Minh, with performances by renowned singers Duc Tuan and Meritorious Artist Khanh Ngoc. The event will be broadcast live on VTV, bringing the festival’s excitement to viewers nationwide.
Festival organizers have also emphasized the importance of nurturing emerging talent. The "Project Incubation" program offers filmmakers and producers, such as Thai producer Vanridee Pongsittisak—known for popular films like "Pee Mak" and "Love Destiny"—a platform to develop new projects and foster international collaboration.
Awards at DANAFF III reflect the festival’s commitment to recognizing excellence across various categories. The Asian Film Competition jury will present prizes including Best Asian Film (125 million VND, approximately 5,000 USD), Special Jury Award, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Screenplay, each accompanied by monetary rewards. The Vietnamese Film Competition offers similar awards with adjusted prize amounts, alongside the NETPAC Award for Best Vietnamese Film and the Audience Award for Most Loved Vietnamese Film.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Anh Thy summed up the festival’s significance by affirming, "We are confident this will be an opportunity for Vietnamese cinema and Da Nang to have a stronger voice on the regional and world cinema map." Indeed, DANAFF III not only celebrates cinematic artistry but also fortifies Da Nang’s status as a dynamic cultural destination, blending heritage, creativity, and international exchange.
As the festival unfolds over the coming days, with screenings, discussions, and star-studded events, it promises to be a milestone in Asian cinema’s ongoing story—a vibrant bridge connecting filmmakers, audiences, and cultures across the continent and beyond.
