In his speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the first Da Nang Asian Film Festival 2023 (DANAFF I) on Tuesday, municipal People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh highlighted the significance of the event in contributing to building Da Nang into a city of events, and a civilised, modern and vibrant destination.

Delegates at the opening ceremony of the first Da Nang Asian Film Festival in 2023. Photo: X.D

Chairman Chinh remarked, over the past time, Da Nang has constantly strived to develop in the direction of civilisation and modernity, and achieved important achievements in many fields.

Aside from infrastructure and economic development, the city has identified important and necessary tasks for the sustainable development of the socio-cultural field, aiming at reaslising the goal of building a happy life, and ensuring comprehensive and harmonious development for local residents, he added.

As for the film industry, the city hopeed to develop the film industry into a cultural industry, promoting economic growth and creating a position in the region. And, DANAFF I was one of the events showing the realisation of the city's undertakings and policies for the development of culture in general and the development of the city's film industry in particular, Mr. Chinh noted.

The city leader expressed his hope that DANAFF I will be a regional and international brand event in the field of cinema, thereby contributing to promoting the integration and cooperation of Da Nang and Viet Nam film industries.

He emphasised that the event provided the good chance for professional cinematographers at home and abroad to exchange their experience and seek cooperation opportunities in producing and expanding the film market, hereby promoting the image of the country and people of Viet Nam and Da Nang as well.

“This is the first time that Da Nang has organised an international film event. We hope the city will leave many good impressions on delegates, tourists, and domestic and foreign friends” said Chairman Le Trung Chinh said.

Chairwoman of the Viet Nam Association of Film Promotion and Development Ngo Phuong Lan said that DANAFF I was a testament to bringing the new provisions of the 2022 Cinema Law to life, also was the first film festival organised by a city and professional association.

The trend was suitable for the development of the film industry, linking the potential city of Da Nang with regional and international cinema. At the same time, cinema will sublimate and spread the charm of the beautiful coastal city, she added.

Mrs. Lan revealed that the film festival aimed at youthfulness and dynamism, selecting and honouring excellent cinematographic works, rich in human values, with new discoveries, and unique artistic expression.

DANAFF I is a new model, unlike any film festival ever held in Viet Nam when it includes two categories of Asian films and Vietnamese films with prizes decided by professional judges.

At the same time, the film festival gives the audience the role of a big jury when directly voting for their favorite Vietnamese films in the 'Contemporary Vietnamese films' programme.

Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung (first, left) and Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Da Nang Party Committee Luong Nguyen Minh Triet (first, right) presenting flowers to the jury board. Photo: X.D

A music performance at the opening ceremony of the film festival

Reporting by X.DUNG - Translating by M.DUNG