The American cinema on display at the Danang Asian Film Festival 2026
The 4th Danang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), which will take place from June 28 to July 4 under the theme “DANAFF – Connecting Asia with the World”, will present a diverse lineup of captivating films, with “Focus on American Cinema” as one of its main attractions.
Dr. Ngoc Phuong Lan, president of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), declared that the “Focus on American Cinema” section of this year’s DANAFF will not only feature a series of Hollywood blockbusters, but will also offer an in-depth analysis of the evolution of world cinema.
This section will trace the history of cinema, from the silent era to decades of American dominance, showcasing the significant influence of American films on the history of cinema worldwide, while also highlighting successful American films and legendary directors through a rigorous selection.
The DANAFF IV is not only seen as an artistic showcase, but also as a major regional platform for the film industry, developing professional activities, training, and production partnerships.
The festival combines film promotion, networking for co-productions, and professional dialogue to facilitate concrete and sustainable collaboration for Vietnamese cinema. Organizers anticipate strong participation, with over 900 delegates, including leaders, filmmakers, sector experts, and more than 200 foreign guests.
Highlights of the Festival
The festival revolves around two main competitive sections: “Asian Films in Competition” and “Vietnamese Films in Competition”, as well as a rich non-competitive programming, including the “40 Years of Renewal in Vietnam” cycle.
The retrospective “Vietnamese Cinema: 40 Years of Renewal” provides a comprehensive and uncompromising view of the transformation of Vietnamese cinema over four decades of innovation. It will allow audiences to grasp the evolution of cinematic styles and language through a selection of 17 films by renowned filmmakers.
Film enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to discover lesser-known films and unreleased productions, offering a much wider choice during the festival.
Among the awards given are the NETPAC Prize (Network for the Promotion of Asian Cinema), the Critics’ Awards, and the Audience Prize.
The true focus of DANAFF IV also lies in its program of activities for industry professionals, designed to shape the future of Vietnamese cinema.
For the first time, the festival will address current topics such as intellectual property protection, the evolution of Vietnamese cinema after 40 years of innovation, and the establishment of a real ecosystem for the film industry, through specific thematic workshops.
It will also highlight fundamental initiatives for talent development and professional integration. Its major asset is the Project Incubator (Film Project Market), which will select promising Vietnamese and international filmmakers for intensive training, mentorship, and practical workshops led by recognized industry professionals.
Additionally, the industrial networking of DANAFF will debut, offering a program rich in round tables, experience-sharing sessions, and partner meetings to connect producers, distributors, filmmakers, and investors throughout the film value chain.
In terms of talent, the new DANAFF Script Laboratory will train young Vietnamese screenwriters, a strategic initiative to improve script quality and foster the emergence of the next generation of cinema stars.
Beyond academic and professional aspects, DANAFF IV will maintain a strong presence among the public through cultural and entertainment events, such as outdoor screenings, fan-actor meetings, and the DANAFF film community.
With a clear strategy and meticulous preparation, the festival is expected to establish itself as a must-attend event in the film industry and position Vietnam on the Asian cinematic stage.
VNA/CVN
