Da Nang’s position on global cinematic map

Recently, images of the Con Market, the Hoi An Ancient Town, My Khe Beach, and even the distinctive, gentle accent of Da Nang residents have appeared in the South Korean film “As You Stood By”, which is currently streaming on Netflix in 30 countries.

Another notable milestone in 2025 is the movie “Before the Sea Forgets”, directed by Le Ngoc Duy, which was selected for screening at the Cannes Film Festival in France in the prestigious “Directors’ Fortnight” section.

Born and raised in Da Nang, Le Ngoc Duy chose the Son Tra Peninsula and the city itself as the primary settings for his film. The director explained the reason for choosing Da Nang was the city’s historical depth and the stories he had heard since childhood.

The two movies mark a significant step in bringing Da Nang’s landscapes and cultural nuances to international audiences through cinema.

According to experts, Da Nang boasts great potential and opportunities for developing Da Nang’s film industry. In particular, the city is now home to a community of writers deeply connected to its history and culture. Many have authored award-winning novels at national and regional levels, offering rich source material that could be adapted into feature film screenplays.

Although Da Nang currently lacks the human resources and infrastructure for a full-fledged film industry comparable to Ho Chi Minh City, it does possess a growing pool of screenwriters and directors trained and experienced in television and documentary filmmaking. Especially, some of them have received notable awards at film festivals.

Additionally, many creative talents from Da Nang are actively producing content on social media and digital media platforms, contributing to a vibrant creative ecosystem.

Regarding the international environment, Da Nang has hosted the annual Asian Film Festival since 2023, providing valuable opportunities for local film professionals to exchange expertise, and engage with regional and international peers in the film industry.

With focused investment in infrastructure, on-site human resource training, and policies to attract talent from elsewhere, the goal of producing films about Da Nang and by Da Nang that are showcased at Asian and international film festivals is entirely achievable.

The strong communicative power of cinema will, in turn, stimulate the development of related cultural industries such as cultural tourism, handicrafts, advertising, and performing arts.

With a vision toward 2045, there remains ample time for Da Nang to establish itself as a national hub for cultural industries, thereby building a brand that resonates across the region and the world.