DANAFF nurtures the next generation of filmmakers
DNO - More than a film showcase, the Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) is expanding its role in talent development, project incubation and industry networking.
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Taking place from June 28 to July 4 under the theme “Bridging Asia to the World", the festival is expected to attract around 900 participants, including more than 200 international guests- the largest edition since its launch in 2023.
Supporting film projects
A highlight of DANAFF IV is the expansion of DANAFF Talents, a project incubation programme launched in 2025. The initiative includes two categories: Asian Art Film Projects and Vietnamese Multi-Genre Film Projects.
The Asian category has been expanded to filmmakers from across Asia, offering mentoring, pitching opportunities before an international jury, and access to producer and distributor networks. ASEAN participants will also continue advanced training in Thailand and France and connect with European co-production partners.
The Vietnamese category returns as Script Lab, an intensive screenplay development programme, in June and July 2026. Eight feature-film scripts will receive mentorship from international experts with support from Columbia University.
The programme has already produced results. "Thank You for Staying Awake with Me," selected for the first DANAFF Talents cohort, earned VND44 billion and set a domestic box-office record for a Vietnamese musical film in 2026.
Director Nguyen Pham Thanh Dat, whose project "Flying Cows" won awards at DANAFF and the Busan International Film Festival, said the programme provides valuable mentorship and networking opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
DANAFF IV will also launch DANAFF Industry Days, bringing together 10 Vietnamese production companies and more than 20 international distributors from over 10 countries and territories to strengthen industry connections and promote Vietnamese cinema globally.
A training ground for young actors
Alongside project development, the Da Nang Asian Film Festival continues to nurture young talents through its Talent Incubation Workshop, which provides acting training and networking opportunities with filmmakers and industry professionals for aspiring performers.
This year’s programme features both basic and advanced courses, attracting many young participants, including Miss Global 2025 Nguyen Dinh Nhu Van and Miss Cosmo Vietnam 2023 Bui Xuan Hanh.
Several former trainees have already moved into professional acting careers, highlighting the programme’s practical impact. Nguyen Hung, a participant in DANAFF III, has since appeared in films such as Red Rain, Thank You for Staying Awake with Me, and Flying Cows.
The advanced workshop also introduces character-based improvisation, an unscripted filmmaking method led by Australian director Robert Marchand.
According to Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association, discovering and training young talent remains a core mission of the festival.
Through its project incubation, acting workshops, and industry networking activities, DANAFF is increasingly positioning Da Nang as a regional hub for cinema and creative talent development.