Danang, Vietnam – Following the success of the previous two editions, The Third Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III) is co-organized by the Danang People’s Committee and the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), taking place from June 29 to July 5, 2025, at the Ariyana Convention Centre Danang. The event is also supported by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, other city departments, UNIMedia Company, and various partners.
Having been honored among the Top 10 Outstanding Cultural Events in both 2023 and 2024 (selected by The Thao & Van Hoa Newspaper), DANAFF III makes a significant leap in scale, duration, and program depth. This year’s festival promises a remarkable cinematic week, gathering outstanding films from across the globe.
The Opening Ceremony on June 29 and Closing & Awards Night on July 5 will both be held at Ariyana Convention Centre Danang and broadcast live on Vietnam Television (VTV), creating an energetic atmosphere that captures widespread public attention at home and abroad.
New Highlights – Prestigious Awards and Notable Film Premieres
DANAFF III continues its mission to select and honor outstanding, humanistic films from countries across the Asia-Pacific region. The festival features 14 Asian films in competition and 4 international premieres, including works previously showcased at renowned international film festivals, such as Don’t cry butterfly (Vietnam), Black Dog (China), Stranger Eye (Singapore), and Reversi (Malaysia).
Notably, four world premieres will take place at DANAFF III: Family Secrets (Korea), How to Forget You (Japan), Out of Order (Philippines), and Father (Mongolia) — all promising to deliver fresh and inspiring cinematic experiences to audiences.
International Jury and Distinguished Awards
DANAFF III brings together influential figures in global cinema, with an esteemed jury panel comprising renowned filmmakers and critics from across the world. Leading the Asian film category jury is director Jang Joon-hwan (Korea), known for his innovative films such as Save the Green Planet! and 1987: When the Day Comes. Other jurors hail from Japan, France, Malaysia, and Vietnam, working together to recognize the festival’s best works.
In addition to its traditional award categories, this year’s festival introduces new honors for films featured in the “Panorama of Asian Cinema” section and a “Critics’ Choice Award” for standout works.
Vibrant Film Programs and Cultural Events
Beyond showcasing excellent films from various countries, DANAFF III features a series of vibrant activities, including meet-and-greet sessions with renowned actors and directors. Film screenings will take place not only in cinemas but also outdoor venues such as Bach Dang Pedestrian Street, East Sea Park, and Lien Chieu District Administrative Square — offering cinematic experiences that blend art with nature.
Special cultural programs like “Half a Century of Vietnamese War Cinema” and the “Korean Cinema Spotlight” further enrich Danang’s cultural landscape throughout the event.
DANAFF III – A Golden Opportunity to Promote Danang Tourism
DANAFF III is not just a prestigious film event, but also a golden opportunity to promote Danang’s tourism image, showcasing the city’s beauty through film. The exhibition “Filming Locations in Danang” displays iconic film sites, positioning Danang as a prime destination for international film productions.
At the opening ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Politburo Member, Director of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, stated: “The Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III) is not just a cinematic event, but a major milestone in the development of Vietnamese culture. It reaffirms Danang’s role in celebrating culture, advancing the film industry, and promoting international understanding and cooperation.”
Dr. Nguyen Xuan Thang, Member of the Politburo, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, and Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, shared his remarks at the opening ceremony
Ms. Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO, also shared during the ceremony: “It is an honor to attend the opening of the 3rd Danang Asian Film Festival. In these challenging times, cinema becomes a universal language that connects us, reflecting life and society. Cinema is not only an art form but also a vital cultural industry that fosters thought, education, and economic development. Vietnam has made significant progress in cinema, with artistic creations gaining international recognition. UNESCO is proud to accompany Vietnam in supporting its film industry — from fostering national dialogue and revising the Cinematography Law to building strategies for cultural industry development.”
The inspiring and meaningful remarks delivered by Ms. Audrey Azoulay at the opening ceremony. The inspiring and meaningful remarks delivered by Ms. Audrey Azoulay at the opening ceremony
Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh, Vice Chairman of Danang Tourism Association and Chairman of Danang Hotel Association, remarked: “DANAFF III has truly enriched Danang’s title as the City of Festivals and Events. This is not just a film festival — it’s a statement of Danang’s capabilities and international integration vision. The event helps build a vibrant cultural environment, attract tourists, and create long-term value for the city’s tourism image.”
As the representative of Indochina Beach Hotel Joint Stock Company – a key sponsor of the event, Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh added: “We are honored to contribute to Danang’s tourism development. DANAFF III is not only a cultural, sports, and artistic event but also a crucial opportunity to strengthen tourism promotion and international connectivity. After DANAFF III, we expect significant growth in Danang’s tourism sector.”
With its grand scale and exceptional quality, DANAFF III promises to be an unforgettable event, celebrating cinematic excellence and reinforcing Danang’s status as an international events hub.
Vietnam’s Leading Events Destination
Ariyana Convention Centre Danang
107 Vo Nguyen Giap, Khue My Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Danang.
T: 0236 651 8888
E: events@ariyanacentre.com
W: www.ariyanacentre.com
#AriyanaConventionCentre #Ariyana #MICE #Ariyanadanang #Ariyana #enjoydanang #MICE #MICEExpo #virtualtour #360ACC #360tour #OnetouchtoAriyana #workinganniversary#bestplacetowork