Cinema and photography help introduce Da Nang to the world
DNO - Beyond preserving memorable moments, cinema and photography are contributing to telling the story of Da Nang as a dynamic, modern, and livable city.
Through visual storytelling, the beauty of nature, culture, and people of the city are reaching wider audiences, thereby promoting tourism and enhancing Da Nang's position on the regional and international map.
“City as a studio”
Da Nang possesses many unique advantages, including diverse landscapes from beaches, rivers, mountains, modern urban areas to a system of cultural heritage sites.
Thanks to its strategic location in Central Vietnam, the city serves as a gateway connecting Hue, Hoi An and My Son. It also boasts convenient transportation infrastructure, and a developed tourism environment.
The annual Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) has become a clear testament to the city's growing appeal.
Within just a few years, the event has expanded its scale, attracting many international filmmakers and experts, and laying a foundation for building a local cinematic brand.
Da Nang should pursue a “City as a Studio” model. Leveraging its scenic landscapes, digital technology and favorable investment environment, the city can attract more film productions and gradually establish itself as a creative hub in the region.
Director Truong Vu Quynh
The city has also made its first mark on screen through appearances in some South Korean and Indian films, as well as works produced by young local directors.
One notable example is the South Korean film “As You Stood By” which showcases iconic locations such as My Khe Beach and Con Market in visually striking scenes.
Moreover, several South Korean film crews have selected Da Nang as a destination for both filming and leisure.
Another example is “Nha Minh Thoi Di” (Let’s Go Home, My Family) by director Tran Dinh Hien, a Da Nang native.
It was filmed across a range of distinctive locations, from Ghenh Bang Beach and the rural landscape of Hoa Bac to Hoi An Ancient Town and Linh Ung Pagoda.
The film also recreated the traditional peace-praying ceremony in Nam O Village, the director’s hometown.
“Silent ambassadors”
While films tell long-form stories, photography captures powerful moments enough to reach audiences instantly.
Photographer Ong Van Sinh describes photography as a city’s “silent ambassador”.
According to him, images of the Dragon Bridge, the Golden Bridge, the Son Tra Peninsula and traditional festivals have helped shape Da Nang's identity on the global tourism map.
At the same time, photography preserves urban memories, documenting fishing villages, traditional craft communities, Con Market, Han Market and community activities that reflect the city's transformation over time, he added.
Photography not only introduces Da Nang to the world but also preserves the city's collective memory and chronicles its development journey through different stages.
Da Nang photographer Ong Van Sinh
Especially in the digital age, the spread of such images has increasingly become powerful through media platforms and social networks.
Every high-quality film or photograph can serve as an effective “ambassador”, helping to strengthen the city's brand, promote tourism, and enhance its position on the regional and international map.
When images tell stories, they not only capture moments but also convey the spirit of a constantly evolving city. This is why film and photography are increasingly playing an important role in promoting the image of Da Nang as a dynamic, creative, and ambitious city to international audiences.