Every city has its moment to shine—2025 was Da Nang’s. Picture dazzling skies lit by fireworks, the charm of cinema in full swing, and the buzz of thousands soaking in culture, art, and celebration. That’s what happened when the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival (DIFF) and the Asian Film Festival Da Nang (DANAFF) lit up the city. But it wasn’t just about entertainment—it was about setting the stage for Da Nang’s rise as Vietnam’s cultural and creative powerhouse.
Let’s dive into how these twin events took center stage and brought the city closer to becoming a national cultural industry hub.
DIFF 2025: More Than Just Fireworks
A Festival That Stretched Boundaries
Running for an epic six weeks (from May 31 to July 12), the Da Nang International Fireworks Festival 2025 wasn’t your typical light show. With ten teams from different countries showing off their pyrotechnic prowess, this wasn’t just an event—it was a season.
From design to execution, everything was done top-notch. Each evening blended fireworks with immersive music, cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) tech, and strong local cultural identity. It transformed the night sky over Da Nang into a canvas of emotion and storytelling.
City in Celebration Mode
The beauty wasn’t just in the sky. People of Da Nang brought their A-game—from hospitality to orderliness. No jostling crowds, no chaos; just gracious smiles and open hearts making sure visitors felt welcome and safe. First responders, volunteers, and locals worked seamlessly together, creating an environment where excitement met organization.
And clearly—it worked. Event posts and recaps spread like wildfire online, reaching nearly 1 million views and sparking 31,000+ interactions on social platforms.
DANAFF 2025: Da Nang’s Love Letter to Cinema
For its third edition, the Asian Film Festival Da Nang came back stronger, prouder, and bolder.
Bigger Screen, Broader Reach
This year’s festival showcased 106 films from across Asia—delivering diversity in genre, depth of storytelling, and exceptional craftsmanship. From open-air screenings that pulled in over 1,000 movie-lovers, to enriching panel sessions with more than 100 filmmakers, producers, and screenwriters—DANAFF celebrated every shade of cinematic brilliance.
Just how good was the lineup? Critics and audiences alike were wowed by the quality.
International Spotlight
PR was on point too. DANAFF was promoted everywhere—from Cannes to Busan. At home, the buzz was inescapable. You saw it on city billboards, read about it in newspapers, spotted updates on social media—over 470 articles and 1,500 pieces of press coverage! A powerful team of 150 multilingual student volunteers helped give international guests an unforgettable experience.
This wasn’t just a film festival—it was a cinematic movement.
Culture, Economy, and Identity—All at Once
Beyond the spectacle and celebration, DIFF and DANAFF were strategic pillars in Da Nang’s blueprint for cultural industry growth.
Entertainment That Pays Off
DIFF brought in 1.88 million visitors—up 26% compared to 2024. In just six core event days, the city welcomed over 500,000 guests. Revenue from hospitality, dining, and tourism hit a whopping VND 5,600 billion ($235M+), up 45% from the year before.
Those numbers? Not just impressive. They’re game-changing.
Trust, Teamwork, and Talent
Organizing events of this scale takes a village—scratch that, a city. Da Nang’s administration, departments, cultural organizations, and partners came together like a well-oiled machine.
Special kudos went to teams and individuals behind the scenes. The city awarded 38 organizations and individuals in recognition of their stellar contributions to both DIFF and DANAFF. Their passion, professionalism, and precision made these events what they were: unforgettable.
Looking Ahead: Da Nang’s Cultural Vision
During the year-end review meeting, Vice Chairwoman of Da Nang People’s Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi made it clear: this is just the beginning.
Building a Global Cultural Brand
DIFF isn’t just fireworks anymore; it’s a brand. And DANAFF isn’t stopping at regional reach—it’s carving its name into the international cinephile community.
Both festivals are now seen as pillars anchoring Da Nang’s cultural strategy—fueling not just tourism, but also elevating creativity, innovation, and Vietnam’s soft power.
Consistent Expansion, Quality First
Moving forward, Da Nang aims to enhance the professionalism, scale, and appeal of these key events. That means investing in new tech, expanding venues, building more film-friendly infrastructure, training professionals, and marketing internationally—with a clear, focused voice.
Closing Thought: A Bright Future on the Horizon
2025 wasn’t just a year to remember—it was a turning point for Da Nang. With fireworks lighting the skies and films touching hearts, the city showcased not only its beauty but also its vision, resilience, and ambition.
If you thought this year’s celebration was breathtaking, hold tight—2026 is already in the works. And one thing’s for sure: Da Nang isn’t just hosting events. It’s building legacies.
Let’s keep watching. The show has only just begun. ✨
📍 Learn more on Da Nang’s official site: danang.gov.vn
🧡 Follow the journey and share the spirit. Da Nang’s cultural revolution is for everyone.