DNO - Taking place from June 28 to July 4 under the theme "DANAFF - Bridging Asia to the World”, the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) 2026 promises a rich lineup of cinematic programs. Among the highlights is the "Focus on American Cinema" featuring representative works in the history of film development.

American cinema in context of global film history
Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), noted that the "Focus on American Cinema" program at DANAFF 2026 not only showcases Hollywood films but also offers a structured, academic perspective on the development of world cinema. The program also introduces contemporary American filmmaking and legendary figures through carefully curated selections.
“The program presents a balanced mix of award-winning films, mainstream blockbusters that attract wide audiences, and independent productions from American cinema” she added.
The fourth edition of DANAFF is envisioned not only as an artistic film festival but also as a platform to connect the regional film industry, further expanding professional, training, and production-linking activities.
Programs are designed to combine film promotion, production networking, and professional dialogue, contributing to more substantive and long-term collaboration opportunities for Vietnamese cinema.
Key highlights at DANAFF 2026
The festival’s core remains its two main competition categories: “Asian Films in Competition” and “Vietnamese Films in Competition” alongside a wide array of non-competitive programs. Notable among these are the “40 Years of Vietnam’s Doi Moi (Renewal) Film Series” and the “Focus on American Cinema”.
The appeal of DANAFF IV 2026 also lies in its extensive series of professional activities aimed at shaping the future of Vietnam’s film industry.
For the first time, key issues such as intellectual property rights protection, the evolution of Vietnamese cinema over 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal) and strategies for building a sustainable film industry ecosystem will be discussed in depth at thematic seminars.
In addition, this year’s festival emphasizes foundational programs for film industry development, concentrating on talent training and market connectivity. A highlight is the Project Incubator (Film Project Market), which selects promising Vietnamese and international young filmmakers to participate in intensive training and hands-on workshops, guided by leading film experts from Vietnam and abroad.
Alongside this, the DANAFF Industry Networking program will debut, featuring roundtable discussions, experience-sharing sessions, and partner engagement activities. This initiative aims to create direct connections among key players in the film value chain, including producers, distributors, directors, and investors.
In terms of developing human resources, the DANAFF Script Lab, a professional training program for young screenwriters in Vietnam, is being launched as a strategic step to enhance script quality and cultivate the next generation of creative talent.
Additionally, DANAFF IV maintains strong public engagement through vibrant side events. Outdoor screenings, fan meet-and-greets with film stars, and the DANAFF’s Cinephiles community are set to bring a festive atmosphere to Da Nang.