The Second Da Nang Asian Film Festival is a special cultural event aimed at selecting and honoring outstanding cinematic works that are rich in humanity, featuring new and exciting discoveries, and displaying unique artistic expression. The festival also encourages talent and introduces new films with high value in content and artistry from Vietnamese cinema, the Asia-Pacific region, and selected films from around the world to the public.
The program was honored to welcome Ms. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, along with leaders from the Party and State; leaders from various Departments, Ministries, and branches of Da Nang city.
The opening ceremony of the Second Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) took place on the evening of July 2nd at Ariyana Convention Centre Danang. The program honorably welcomed Mrs. Vo Thi Anh Xuan, Vice President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, along with leaders from the Party and State; leaders from various Departments, Ministries, and branches of Da Nang city and provinces nationwide; renowned Asian and international cinema experts and stars, top Vietnamese artists, leading film experts, representatives of film delegations, and cinema activists both domestically and internationally.
In the spirit of cultural exchange between Vietnam and the world, the opening ceremony featured special performances that provided interesting experiences for the attending delegates. The opening act was “Ballet Kiều” – a first-ever combination of traditional Vietnamese instruments and ballet to present an excerpt from the Vietnamese classic “The Tale of Kiều.” Conducted by Dong Quang Vinh, the Sức Sống Mới Traditional Orchestra and the HBSO Dance Troupe brought a new breath of life into the essence of Vietnamese art with an emotional performance.
Mr. Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee, delivered a speech at the opening ceremony
Ms. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association, delivered the opening speech
The cinema achievement award was presented to filmmaker Dang Nhat Minh
In his speech at the opening ceremony, Mr. Le Trung Chinh, Chairman of the Da Nang City People’s Committee, stated that to build a “City of Events and Festivals,” the Film Festival has been and is expected to become a prominent festival product of Da Nang city. “This is an important activity in developing the cultural industries, including cinema, and contributing to promoting the city’s image, culture, and tourism to international friends, aiming to make Da Nang a city of cinematic events,” emphasized Mr. Le Trung Chinh.
Mr. Andre Pierre Gentzsch, CEO of Furama – Ariyana Danang Tourism Complex, shared: “By being chosen as the venue for the Second Da Nang Asian Film Festival, the Ariyana International Tourism Complex has reaffirmed its leading position not only in Da Nang but also across Vietnam in hosting international events. We are very proud to contribute to bringing the essence of Asian and world cinema to Vietnam through the Film Festival, while also introducing the image and culture of Vietnam to international friends, creating a connection within the Asia-Pacific region and the world.”
MANY FAMOUS ARTISTS AND FILMMAKERS ATTENDED THE FILM FESTIVAL’S OPENING CEREMONY
Artists checking in at the event’s red carpet
Many famous artists attended the film festival’s Opening Ceremony in 2024, including: Le Khanh; Nhu Quynh; Lan Huong (Em bé Hà Nội); Chieu Xuan; director Ha Le Diem; director Pham Ngoc Lan, producer Nghiem Quynh Trang (film Cu Li không bao giờ khóc); actor Le Phong Vu (film Bên trong vỏ kén vàng); director Hoang Tuan Cuong (film Sáng đèn); actress Nguyen Thi Dac Tin; actress Tran Thi Thanh Hien; actor Pham Thanh Thuc; actress Nguyen Minh Khue (film Lật mặt 7: 1 điều ước); director, Meritorious Artist Phi Tien Son; actress Cao Thi Thuy Linh; actor Doan Quoc Dam (film Đào, Phở và Piano); actress Dao Hien Thuc Anh (film Tiểu đội hoa hồng); director Tran Huu Tan; actress Hoang Ha (film Kẻ ăn hồn); director Vu Hieu Thanh (film Điều cấm kỵ kinh hoàng); director Luk Van (film Khi ta hai lăm); director Trinh Lam Tung (Trạng Quỳnh Animation Series); director Le Anh Tuan (Documentary Series of TLTW); director Doan Hong Le (Danang Film Series); director Phan Thi Tho (film Wolfoo và hòn đảo kỳ bí).
Notable international artists and filmmakers attending the Film Festival included: actress Jeon So Min (film Tuổi thanh xuân); director Warwich Thornton (film Cậu bé lạ kỳ); producer Quan Cam Bang (film Nguyện ước vĩnh cửu).