Bridging Creativity and Commerce: DANAFF's New Industry Focus
Introducing DANAFF Industry Days: A New Chapter for Vietnamese Cinema
The Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) is poised to launch its first dedicated Industry Days, a two-day program integral to its fourth annual event this June. This initiative will bring together a select group of ten Vietnamese production houses and invited international purchasers for exclusive project showcases and personalized business dialogues. This strategic expansion builds upon the foundation laid by DANAFF's project market, which was first introduced in 2025.
The Schedule: Keynote Speeches, Studio Showcases, and Industry Dialogues
Scheduled to take place on June 30 and July 1, nestled within the broader festival dates of June 28 to July 4 in Da Nang, the Industry Days program will commence with an insightful keynote address focusing on the dynamics of the Vietnamese film market. Following this, leading local studios, including prominent names like Galaxy Studio, CJ CGV Vietnam, BHD|Vietnam Media Corp., Mockingbird Pictures, HKFilm, and 89sGROUP, will present their upcoming slates. A specialized series of panel discussions, dubbed DANAFF Industry Talks, will delve into the current trends, potential growth areas, and existing hurdles facing both Vietnamese and wider Southeast Asian cinema.
Cultivating International Interest and Local Talent
Jérémy Segay, a seasoned expert in the Asian film industry and advisor for this new program, emphasized the timely nature of this development. He noted that Vietnam's film sector has reached a maturity where a dedicated platform for industry engagement is crucial, especially given the growing international interest in its evolution. Segay also highlighted the increasing confidence, artistic quality, and ambition of local productions, signaling their potential to captivate audiences beyond the diaspora. For this initial edition, the program anticipates welcoming approximately 25 international buyers, aiming to facilitate significant global exposure and partnerships.
Vision for Collaboration: Connecting Vietnamese Filmmakers with Global Peers
Ngo Phuong Lan, who chairs the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) and directs DANAFF, articulated the program's core objective. She stated that DANAFF Industry Days seeks to create a robust platform for both creative and commercial interactions between Vietnamese film professionals and their regional and international counterparts. The program is specifically structured to provide international attendees with practical opportunities to connect with key industry players, offering a glimpse into the future offerings of Vietnamese cinema, all while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Da Nang. Distributors participating in the Industry Days will also have the option to extend their visit to attend the DANAFF Project Market on July 2 and 3, further expanding networking possibilities.
Beyond Industry Days: A Comprehensive Festival Program
In addition to the focused Industry Days, the festival's broader program will feature a diverse array of cinematic events, including the Asian Film Competition, the Vietnamese Film Competition, and DANAFF Talents, alongside various international seminars. Confirmed topics for these seminars encompass a spotlight on American cinema, an exploration of Vietnamese filmmaking over the four decades since the Đổi Mới reforms, and engaging discussions on digital advancements, artificial intelligence (AI), and intellectual property protection. The full lineup of the festival's selections is slated to be officially announced at a press conference in Hanoi on June 2, building anticipation for this comprehensive celebration of film.
