When you think of cinematic magic under the stars, passionate storytelling, and cultural connection bursting through the screen—a film festival is where it all comes alive. In 2025, Da Nang didn’t just host a festival. It became the heart of Asian cinema.
After a dazzling week, the curtain has officially closed on the 3rd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III), leaving behind memories, inspiration, and a promise that Da Nang is ready to take center stage in global cinema.
A Festival Bigger Than Films
What makes DANAFF III such a standout? It wasn’t just the 106 films that screened. It wasn’t only the array of filmmakers and talents that came from all over Asia. It was the sense of connection—cinema breaking borders and creating unity through the delicate yet powerful language of images and emotion.
Nguyen Thi Anh Thi, Vice Chairwoman of Da Nang City People’s Committee, summed it up beautifully at the closing ceremony: DANAFF III proved that art can dissolve boundaries, ignite conversations, and inspire fresh perspectives. More than a film showcase, the festival became a catalyst for meaningful dialogue on the future of the film industry in Asia.
Lights, Camera, Connection: What Went Down at DANAFF III
A Dream Team of Talent and Insight
The festival wasn’t short on star power or sharp minds. From Vietnamese government leaders to renowned international filmmakers, this event brought together the best in storytelling and cinema development.
Workshops, masterclasses, and industry talks created a vibrant learning hub where knowledge met passion. From nurturing young talent to tackling the changing landscape of film production, DANAFF III was as much about sharing as it was about shining.
Big Wins and Breakthrough Moments
Over 200 screenings. A record-breaking number of entries. Powerful international debuts. DANAFF III set the bar higher than its previous editions—and it delivered.
Here are some of the biggest moments from the glittering awards night:
🎬 Best Asian Film: “Deal at the Border” from Kyrgyzstan
🎤 Best Director (Asia): Guan Hu for “Black Dog” (China)
👩🎤 Best Actress (Asia): Nurzhan Beksultanova for “Abel” (Kazakhstan)
👨🎤 Best Actor (Asia): Kang-sheng Lee for “Stranger Eyes” (Singapore/Taiwan)
✍️ Best Screenplay (Asia): “Muddy Foot” by Ladan Shirmard & Ebrahim Azizi (Iran)
🎥 Jury Special Award: “Don’t Cry Butterfly” (Vietnam, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia)
But that’s not all…
🎬 Best Vietnamese Film: “Chi Dau” by director Khuong Ngoc
🎭 Best Director (Vietnam): Victor Vu for “Investigator Kien: The Headless Case”
👑 Best Actress (Vietnam): Viet Huong for “Chi Dau”
🕴️ Best Actor (Vietnam): Tuan Tran for “Making Money with Ghosts”
✍️ Best Screenplay (Vietnam): Team of Toto Chan, Kim, and Khuong Ngoc for “Chi Dau”
🎖️ Jury Special Mention (Vietnam): “Baby Trang Quynh: The Legend of Kim Nguu”
Fresh Highlights That Sparked Buzz
One notable new twist this year? The Critics’ Choice Award for Asian cinema in the “Panorama of Asian Cinema” program—recognizing films successful on international stages or premiering globally at DANAFF.
🏆 Winner? The touching story “Sunday” from Uzbekistan.
And let’s not forget the audience! The Viewers’ Choice Award for the Most Loved Vietnamese Film went to… 🐛 “The Cricket: Adventure to the Singing Hamlet.” Totally adorable. Totally well-deserved.
More Than Red Carpets: The Festival’s Real Impact
According to Ngo Phuong Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Association of Film Promotion and Development and Head of the DANAFF organizing committee, the third edition marked a turning point. It was the first year operating under a formal cooperation agreement between the association and Da Nang city.
Two key goals were not just met—they were exceeded:
- 🎖 Honoring the cinematic heritage of Asia
- 🚀 Discovering, nurturing, and supporting emerging talents
DANAFF is not just a once-a-year celebration. It’s part of a larger goal to position Da Nang as Asia’s creative hub for film. And it’s well on its way.
Looking Ahead: Da Nang, A Cinematic Haven in the Making
DANAFF III was loud with applause, rich in emotion, and brimming with purpose. But if you ask the organizers and the filmmakers, it’s just the beginning.
As Nguyen Thi Anh Thi put it, Da Nang doesn’t just want to be a host—it aims to be a muse, a stage, an endless source of creative energy for stories yet to be told. Whether it’s the beaches, the mountains, or the bustling city streets—Da Nang breathes cinematic potential.
So here’s to Da Nang, where Asian cinema found a home and where the reel keeps rolling. 🌏📽️
Want to explore more or catch highlights from this year’s festival?
📲 Visit: danang.gov.vn – Official DANAFF III Recap
Let the credits roll. Until next year! 🍿🙌