The third Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III) concluded not with promotional fanfare, but with international recognition earned through substance.
The festival was lauded by UNESCO and global media as a symbol of Asia’s creative power and Vietnam’s rising influence in cinema.
From June 29 to July 5, 2025, DANAFF III captivated audiences, filmmakers, and cultural professionals alike. With nearly 106 films, over 200 screenings, and dozens of industry workshops and networking events, the festival marked a significant leap for Vietnamese cinema’s global integration.
UNESCO Director-General: “DANAFF empowers creativity and connects cultures”
The DANAFF III awards ceremony held on the evening of July 5 in Da Nang.Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, speaks at the opening of the 2025 Da Nang Asian Film Festival.
DANAFF III was honored as one of the key events commemorating the 20th anniversary of the 2005 UNESCO Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions.
The recognition underscored DANAFF’s mission of uniting cultures through cinema and supporting emerging creative voices.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay emphasized: “In a world increasingly divided by crises, cinema remains a universal language that brings us together. This year’s DANAFF expanded in both scope and depth. Beyond spotlighting Vietnamese cinema, it offered a platform for new voices across Asia, from China to Kyrgyzstan, Japan, India, and notably South Korea.”
Azoulay later sent a letter of congratulations to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Director of DANAFF III: “This dynamic event I had the pleasure of attending demonstrates cinema’s power to connect people from all walks of life. DANAFF III empowers new talents, nurtures creativity, and fosters intercultural dialogue. I was impressed by the professionalism and warm hospitality that contributed to the success of our mission.”
A connected cinematic ecosystem for creators and audiences
International media coverage highlights DANAFF III’s impact.
With the theme Bridging Asia, DANAFF III became a true cultural bridge, connecting film lovers with international filmmakers, cultural leaders, and global institutions.
Throughout the week, Da Nang transformed into a cinematic hub with vibrant screenings, specialized workshops, talent development sessions, and cross-border collaboration forums.
Martine Thérouanne, Executive Director of the Vesoul International Asian Film Festival in France and one of five jurors for the Asian Competition at DANAFF III, shared in an interview with Asian Movie Pulse (July 2025): “Though only in its third year, DANAFF impressed me with its heartfelt hospitality and its strong focus on Vietnamese cinema. The growth in both programming and industry activities is remarkable. DANAFF is well on its way to becoming a major film festival in Asia.”
Thérouanne, a long-time supporter of Vietnamese cinema, noted: “Our festival has hosted retrospectives on Vietnamese cinema in 2002, 2010, and 2014. We’re planning a new program for Vesoul’s 33rd edition in February 2027. DANAFF’s recognition can open doors to funding and international collaboration for young Vietnamese filmmakers.”
She praised the selection criteria of DANAFF’s jury, noting: “We value creative storytelling with deep personal voice and universal resonance. Vietnamese films like Don’t Cry Butterfly reflect strong experimentation and emotional power.”
She added her hope that DANAFF will maintain jury quality, expand partnerships, and continue nurturing Asia’s next generation of film talent.
Global media spotlight: International acclaim for DANAFF III
Martine Thérouanne and her husband attend the DANAFF III seminar “Korean cinema: Lessons in international success and industry development.”Actress Moon So-ri and her husband, director Jang Joon-hwan (Head of Jury, Asian Competition), walk the red carpet at the DANAFF III Opening Ceremony. Photos: Organizing Board
DANAFF III received widespread coverage from major international outlets including Xinhua (China), Korea Herald, Yonhap News, Hankook Ilbo, and Nate News (South Korea).
According to Xinhua (June 29, 2025), the festival launched under the banner Bridging Asia, with 14 films in competition from countries like China, Korea, India, Iran, and Malaysia. Chinese entries Black Dog and Like a Rolling Stone were both showcased and competed.
Korea Herald (July 1, 2025) commended the festival for “showcasing powerful stories and artistic innovation from Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific, celebrating cultural diversity.”
The outlet quoted Kim Hong Joon, Director of the Korean Film Archive: “I’m impressed by the youthful energy here - it reminds me of the early days of the Bucheon International Fantastic Film Festival. As someone who helped shape Korean festivals, I see great potential in DANAFF and am eager to support it.”
Yonhap News reported that 2025 marked South Korea’s debut as the festival’s guest country through the “Focus on Korean Cinema” program, screening 14 iconic Korean films from the 1960s onward. Leading filmmakers and actors such as Jang Joon-hwan, Kim Han-min, Moon So-ri, and Park Sung-woong joined the event and engaged directly with Vietnamese audiences.
South Korean Ambassador to Vietnam, Choi Young-sam, shared: “I hope this festival deepens mutual understanding between our peoples and brings us closer through shared stories and emotions.”
Nate News (July 1, 2025) described DANAFF as a “model of Vietnam’s commitment to cultural collaboration with Korea and Asia.” It noted that the attendance of top Korean talents like Jang Joon-hwan, Moon So-ri, Kim Dong-ho, and Park Kwang-su reflected the event’s growing influence.
These endorsements from experts and international press solidify DANAFF’s strategic vision and professional execution as it establishes itself on the map of leading Asian film festivals.
Vietnamnet.vn
Podcast
.svg){kind=icon}
