The Viet Nam Film Development Association in collaboration with the Da Nang People's Committee held a ceremony on Friday to announce information about the 2^nd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF II) slated to take place from July 2 to 6.

Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong speaking at the announcement ceremony

Speaking at the announcement ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Hoang Dao Cuong congratulated Da Nang and the Viet Nam Film Development Association on successfully organising the DANAFF I. At the same tine, he launched the DANAFF II.

The Deputy Minister emphasised that cinema was one of the key industries that Viet Nam has determined to develop the cultural industry.

The Ministry highly appreciated the cooperation of units, organisations, societies and associations in creating a useful exchange and cooperation playground, thereby contributing to promoting the development of Vietnamese cinema.

Mr. Cuong expressed his hope that, in the coming time, the Viet Nam Film Development Association will continue to have initiatives and organise exchange programmes, as well as bring world cinema to Viet Nam, and at the same time the Vietnamese cinema to international friends.

Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee Tran Chi Cuong (7th, right) and delegates at the ceremony

According to the event’s Organising Committee, DANAFF II, themed ‘Asian Bridges’, will still maintain the programme framework of a professional film festival with Opening-Closing-Awards ceremonies broadcast live on Viet Nam Television Station (VTV) and relayed by the Da Nang Radio and Television Station and other television stations across Viet Nam.

As planned, DANAFF II will feature Asian and Vietnamese film competition programmes with valuable prizes; Today’s Vietnamese Cinema programme with carefully-selected, newly-produced Vietnamese films; and French cinema spotlight programme with excellent works of French cinema and French films about Viet Nam.

In addition, there will be a film selection programme by People's Artist director Dang Nhat Minh, a programme introducing films by famous international guests, and screenings of selected films produced by Da Nang filmmakers, and outdoor screenings with Vietnamese and foreign films.

In particular, for the first time in Viet Nam, DANAFF II will award the Cinema Achievement Award to an excellent filmmaker who has made many contributions to cinema. This award will be maintained annually.

Reporting by K.NGUYEN - Translating by M.DUNG