Vietnamese delegation at the Việt Nam Film Pavilion. — Photo courtesy of VFDA

BUSAN — The Việt Nam Film Pavilion, organised by the Việt Nam Film Development Association (VFDA), officially opened at the Asian Contents and Film Market (ACFM) at the Busan Exhibition and Convention Centre (BEXCO) as part of the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2026). 

The Việt Nam pavilion offers an overview of Vietnamese cinema, VFDA's activities and the Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival (DANAFF).

It also introduces Việt Nam's film production environment, support available to film crews and the Production Attraction Index (PAI), giving international partners information to assess the country’s suitability for their projects.

The pavilion also seeks to connect partners in film production, co-production, and distribution, while encouraging international film crews to choose Việt Nam as a filming destination.

Through face-to-face meetings at ACFM, VFDA aims to identify partners' needs, connect resources and turn discussions into concrete cooperation opportunities.

(From right) Brillante Ma Mendoza, a renowned Filipino producer and director and CEO and chairman of Center Stage Productions (CSP) Co., alongside VFDA Chairwoman Ngô Phương Lan and film producer Trần Thị Bích Ngọc. — Photo courtesy of VFDA

DANAFF is a key part of the pavilion’s promotional activities at BIFF 2026. Publications, photographs and videos introduce notable film projects and activities, the upcoming DANAFF V, talent development initiatives and film projects.

Launched in 2023 by VFDA in coordination with the Đà Nẵng People’s Committee, DANAFF has developed into a meeting point for Vietnamese and Asian cinema and international partners over four editions. It has also expanded activities to nurture talent, develop film projects and strengthen links across the film industry.

In addition to hosting the annual DANAFF, Đà Nẵng has become a destination and filming location for international productions, including the Indian film Love in Vietnam in 2025.

Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi's presence at the pavilion's events underscored the city’s efforts to welcome international filmmakers and producers and promote Đà Nẵng as a film production destination. 

Introducing DANAFF at BIFF 2026 helps raise Đà Nẵng’s profile among international film industry networks and broaden ties with filmmakers, experts, film organisations and potential partners. VFDA aims to develop DANAFF beyond an annual event into a platform for professional exchange, project development and regional cooperation.

Kyrgyz director Dastan Zhapar Ryskeldi (second from right), who has participated in two consecutive editions of DANAFF, visits the pavilion and met VFDA leaders and colleagues. — Photo courtesy of VFDA

Alongside information about DANAFF, Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and filming locations across Việt Nam, the pavilion showcases the country’s film industry through its works, talent, projects, events and production capabilities. 

Images of Việt Nam, particularly Hà Nội and Đà Nẵng, give international partners a closer look at the country’s culture, landscapes and potential filming locations.

The pavilion attracted producers, filmmakers, and international partners soon after opening, creating opportunities to exchange ideas and explore potential cooperation. 

Jean-Marc Thérouanne, co-founder and executive and artistic director of the Vesoul International Festival of Asian Cinema (VIFFAC) in France, and Irini Dewi Wanti, head of the Film, Music and Arts Subdivision under Indonesia’s Ministry of Culture, who led the Indonesian delegation, visited the pavilion and met VFDA leaders and colleagues. 

The pavilion also welcomed filmmaker Kim Dong Ho, former chairman of BIFF and a prominent figure in South Korean cinema.

During ACFM, VFDA representatives will continue meeting producers, distributors, film organisations, festivals and international partners to discuss production and co-production, distribution and opportunities to bring foreign projects to Việt Nam for filming.

The pavilion at BIFF 2026 is part of VFDA's strategy to maintain a targeted presence at international film markets. After Busan, the association plans to continue its promotional activities at the Tokyo International Film Festival in late October. — VNS