Lights, camera, action—and a whole lot of collaboration! As the third Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III) warms up for its big 2025 edition, something genuinely exciting is happening behind the scenes. Picture this: seasoned filmmakers, industry thought-leaders, and creative talents from across the globe gathered in Da Nang not to flaunt red carpet glamour, but to talk shop—deep, thoughtful, and downright inspiring conversations about building the future of Vietnamese cinema.
From Local Sets to Global Screens: Why Talent is Everything
Kicking off the international workshop titled “Identifying and Nurturing Cinematic Talent: Global Experience and Vietnam’s Approach,” Vice Chairwoman of Da Nang’s People’s Committee, Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi, shared a clear message: investing in talent isn’t just necessary—it’s strategic.
In today’s fast-evolving film industry, discovering and nurturing young creatives—directors, screenwriters, actors, and technical artists—is what lays the foundation for truly powerful, inspiring films. And guess what? It’s not just about giving these young guns a stage—it’s about giving them the skills, international exposure, and opportunity to create stories that resonate around the world.
“Global experience plays a critical role in helping us shape strong strategies for Vietnam’s film industry,” Anh Thi emphasized.
Building a Home for Creativity in Da Nang
Da Nang isn’t just playing host to this dialogue—it’s becoming a part of the narrative itself. The city is steadily building a cultural ecosystem aimed at supporting Vietnam’s new generation of filmmakers through:
- Creative training programs and workshops
- International industry exchanges
- Practical support for indie film production
- Legal frameworks to encourage investment in cinema
Through initiatives like “DANAFF Talents,” including projects like “Ươm Mầm Tài Năng” (Nurturing Talents) and “Vườn Ươm Dự Án” (Project Incubation Garden), Da Nang is positioning itself as Vietnam’s cinematic incubator. Imagine a place where aspiring artists don’t just learn their craft—they thrive as they do it, bolstered by international mentorship and hands-on collaboration.
Bridging Worlds: How International Experience Fuels Local Impact
At the core of this workshop was a refreshingly honest and productive exchange of global experiences. Think filmmakers from inside and outside Vietnam sitting down together to discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and how collaboration can move everyone forward.
PGS. TS. NGƯT Phan Thị Bích Hà, a veteran in film education, pointed out how global cooperation is more than just helpful—it’s essential.
“International collaboration isn’t just a bonus; it’s a necessary evolution for a thriving film industry,” she noted.
From student exchange programs to cross-border film projects to co-hosting student film festivals, the road ahead is filled with opportunities for Vietnam’s youth to gain valuable hands-on experience and share uniquely Vietnamese stories with a global audience.
Education: The Hidden Hero in Every Great Film
Making a movie isn’t just about mastering cameras and lighting. According to director Trịnh Đình Lê Minh—founder of the film training program at Hoa Sen University and lecturer at Fulbright University—tomorrow’s filmmakers need broad, interdisciplinary knowledge to create meaningful art.
Beyond film theory and production, they need a firm grounding in:
- Culture and history
- Ethics and society
- Technology and innovation
- Critical thinking and storytelling
Lê Minh advocates for training programs that blend film education with humanities and social sciences, encouraging students to think deeply, ask hard questions, and create stories that genuinely reflect society.
The Bigger Picture: Vietnam’s Voice on the World Stage
It’s not just about making films—it’s about creating cultural conversations. Vietnam has a rich, distinctive voice and it’s bringing that voice to the global screen, one compelling story at a time.
“With collective efforts from all corners of the industry, we believe Vietnamese cinema will produce more exceptional works that reflect our cultural identity and move global audiences,” shared Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi.
As Vietnam’s cinema strengthens its roots and spreads its branches internationally, collaborations like those at DANAFF III are key. They don’t just spark great ideas—they seed the future of an industry poised to shine.
Da Nang Film Industry Event
The lights may go down after the festival ends, but its impact will stay bright for years to come.
📝 Source: Da Nang Official Portal
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