Cinema is always the soul of every film festival, and at the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), audiences will embark on an emotional journey through dozens of works from various film industries across the region and around the world. DANAFF IV brings together many films that have made their mark at international film festivals, while also introducing works premiered to the public for the first time, reflecting the diversity of culture, perspective, and contemporary cinematic language.
From stories about history, family, cultural identity, social issues, and journeys of human discovery, this year’s film program further affirms DANAFF as a meeting point for quality cinematic works, as well as a bridge connecting Asian cinema with Vietnamese audiences.
Asian Films in Competition – Outstanding Works of Contemporary Cinema
The Asian Films in Competition section features 13 works from various countries and territories, including Vietnam, Japan, South Korea, China, the Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, Pakistan, India, and international co-productions. The presence of different film industries creates a broad portrait of the region’s creative landscape, where each film carries its own voice, perspective, and artistic values.
The highlight of this section lies in its diversity of themes and styles. Some works delve into the psychological conflicts of people in modern life, some reflect social issues emerging within different communities, while others take a more experimental approach to visuals, rhythm, and narrative structure. From drama and social realism to political thrillers and new experiments in cinematic language, each work opens up a distinct slice of Asian humanity amid a rapidly changing world.
Notably, many films have chosen DANAFF IV as the venue for their first screening before international audiences, thereby contributing to the growing regional stature of the festival.
Contemporary Vietnamese Cinema Through Outstanding Works
The Vietnamese Films in Competition section introduces 11 representative works produced in the past two years, reflecting the strong movement of Vietnamese cinema in both artistic expression and audience reach. These films demonstrate efforts to refresh storytelling, expand subject matter, and explore forms of expression that better resonate with modern audiences.
“Vietnamese Cinema Today” featuring 26 works
The works in this section explore many familiar themes, yet from different perspectives, ranging from family life, history, culture, and spirituality to the transformations of contemporary society. Some films focus on complex personal relationships, some place individuals within historical contexts to reflect enduring values, while others capture the rhythm of urban life and the pressures of today’s world. This richness shows that Vietnamese cinema is becoming increasingly confident in approaching multiple layers of reality and emotion.
In addition, the Vietnamese Cinema Today program, featuring 26 works including feature films, documentaries, animations, and short films, further broadens the perspective, allowing audiences to discover diverse storytelling styles and new voices in Vietnamese cinema.
Panorama of Asian Cinema – A Gathering of Internationally Acclaimed Works
One of the most anticipated programs among film professionals and cinema lovers is the Panorama of Asian Cinema. This is a highly curated section that brings together 21 films from various countries and territories, including many works that have participated in or won awards at prestigious film festivals such as Cannes, Busan, Rotterdam, Tokyo, Moscow, and the Golden Horse Awards.
“Panorama of Asian Cinema” featuring 21 films from various countries
The presence of films that have been recognized on international stages makes this program an important highlight of DANAFF IV. Vietnamese audiences have the opportunity to access works that have resonated around the world, while also observing the filmmaking trends currently shaping the face of Asian cinema. These may be deeply personal stories, powerful social reflections, or bold experiments in form and narrative structure.
The program also creates a space for viewers to better recognize the cultural intersections across the region. Although the films come from different contexts, they meet in their shared interest in humanity, memory, identity, and the changes of the times.
A Highlight with Numerous Premiere Screenings
One of the notable marks of DANAFF IV is the large number of works choosing the festival as their platform to premiere before audiences.
This year, DANAFF IV presents:
- 05 World Premieres.
- 03 International Premieres.
- 05 Asian Premieres.
Among them are works such as Chiếc kén, Gangster hoàn lương, Bí ẩn góc ban công, Chặng tiếp của cuộc đời, Hành lang, Giữa tro tàn sự sống, Hiện tượng siêu nhiên, LaLi, and Dữ dội.
The fact that many producers have chosen DANAFF IV as the place to introduce their new works reflects the growing appeal of the festival, while also affirming the trust of international filmmakers in this cinematic event held in Da Nang.
Meeting the People Behind the Films
What sets DANAFF IV apart is that each film is not merely limited to a screening, but also opens up meaningful encounters, exchanges, and dialogues between filmmakers and audiences.
Meeting actress Jane Seymour and producer Bill Mechanic during the opening screening of the American Cinema Spotlight
Throughout the festival, audiences have the opportunity to attend more than 50 exchange sessions with directors, actors, producers, and creative teams. Conversations after each screening help viewers gain deeper insight into the creative process, the messages behind each work, and the professional journeys of filmmakers from various countries. Many of these sessions also become spaces for sharing personal perspectives on the craft, creative inspiration, and the challenges of bringing a film from idea to screen.
This is also a factor that contributes to the distinctive identity of DANAFF, where cinema is experienced, shared, discussed, and connected in a more intimate and profound way.
Ariyana Danang – The Opening Stage of DANAFF IV’s Cinematic Journey
The journey of discovering outstanding films at DANAFF IV begins with the Opening Ceremony and concludes with the Closing and Awards Ceremony, two key events held at Ariyana Convention Centre Danang.
From the red-carpet space gathering international artists to the ceremony honoring the most outstanding works, Ariyana becomes the venue that marks both the beginning and the conclusion of a vibrant week of cinema. With modern infrastructure, professional event spaces, and extensive experience in hosting large-scale international events, Ariyana continues to contribute to the success of DANAFF IV, while affirming its role as a destination for regional-level cultural and artistic events in Da Nang.
| The 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival – DANAFF IV 2026
Time: June 28 – July 4, 2026 Opening Ceremony: Evening of June 28, 2026, Ariyana Convention Centre Danang Closing & Awards Ceremony: Evening of July 4, 2026, Ariyana Convention Centre Danang 🤝 Main activities: Film screenings, competitions, seminars, workshops, masterclasses, Script Lab, DANAFF Industry Days, artist exchanges, and cinema networking activities |
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