Preparations for DANAFF V in connection with APEC 2027
DNO - Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, on September 3, chaired an online meeting with the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) to discuss preparations for the 5th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF V), scheduled for 2027.
Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi praised the achievements of the Vietnam Film Development Association and Da Nang through four editions of DANAFF, particularly its growing scale, professional quality and influence.
DANAFF IV attracted around 1,000 delegates, artists, filmmakers and experts, featuring 102 films, nearly 200 screenings and approximately 19,000 audience members. Notably, the first DANAFF Industry Days created new opportunities for Vietnamese film businesses to connect with international partners.
According to Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, these achievements have created an important foundation for further elevating DANAFF V. The city aims not only to enhance the festival's artistic quality, scale and international standing but also to generate lasting value and contribute to the development of Da Nang's film sector and cultural industries.
One important new feature of DANAFF V is that the festival will be held as part of activities marking APEC Year 2027 in Vietnam, including in Da Nang. The festival is expected to screen 21 films from APEC economies.
In addition, film delegations may accompany leaders and ministers responsible for culture from participating APEC economies, significantly increasing both the scale of the event and its organisational requirements.
Nguyen Thi Anh Thi asked relevant agencies to fully consider, from the planning stage, all issues related to protocol, reception, accommodation, transportation, logistics, security, inter-agency coordination, programme and event organisation, and external relations.
This is intended to ensure that DANAFF V is organised professionally, safely and effectively, while meeting the overall requirements for APEC 2027 activities in Da Nang.
The city leadership directed the VFDA to identify key improvements for DANAFF V over DANAFF IV, focusing on artistic quality, scale, guest composition, and industry-related activities.
The VFDA was also asked to coordinate with the Da Nang Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism to conduct a comprehensive review of DANAFF IV, identifying programmes that should be maintained, areas that require upgrading and new activities that should be added.
Regarding DANAFF Industry Days, Nguyen Thi Anh Thi proposed building on the new initiative introduced at DANAFF IV and making it more substantive. It should facilitate concrete connections in film production, investment, distribution, copyright acquisition, and international cooperation, rather than limiting itself to meetings and networking activities.
The city also expects DANAFF V to generate more tangible benefits for Da Nang's development. Building on the connections, co-production partnerships and location surveys conducted by film delegations during DANAFF IV, the fifth edition should gradually become a driving force for the development of the city's film ecosystem.
This would include human resource training, project development, attracting film crews and businesses, and expanding film-related services.