The Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) is expanding, adding several new programmes aimed at helping Vietnamese filmmakers and film professionals. Knowing how the festival is changing can show where new creative or career chances may appear.

Kim Dong-ho, the founder and former chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, praised DANAFF’s recent growth. He also highlighted Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan’s work in linking Vietnamese cinema with the global film community.

For its fifth edition, DANAFF will present a showcase of Vietnam’s cinematic heritage, an APEC Cinema Spotlight, DANAFF Talents and DANAFF Industry Connect. These initiatives are meant to mix film promotion with talent development and international collaboration.

Director Nguyen Hoang Diep noted a persistent problem: after international festivals, arthouse and independent Vietnamese films often lack suitable domestic screening venues. Forum participants, including Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan and Producer Ngo Thi Bich Hanh, said stronger support systems, professional networks and ongoing cooperation with overseas partners are essential for turning domestic growth into a lasting international presence.

The festival also wants to move beyond a pure showcase, turning its Industry Days into a film market that links projects, producers, investors and distributors, as explained by Da Nang Vice Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Anh Thi. This shift could give Vietnamese creators real pathways to funding, co‑production and wider distribution.

In short, DANAFF’s expansion creates concrete opportunities for Vietnamese filmmakers and industry workers, offering platforms for talent development, market access and international collaboration. Watching these changes can help you plan the next step in your own film career.