Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism Nguyen Van Hung presents flowers to the Film Festival Jury. Photo: daibieunhandan.vn

Nguyen Xuan Thang, President of the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics, said at the opening of the festival: "I called for joint efforts by relevant ministries and sectors to shape a modern, humane, internationally integrated Vietnamese cinema imbuedwith national identity. DANAFF should become one of the most prestigious film festivals in the Asia-Pacific region. This will enhance Vietnam's creative culture globally and mark Da Nang as a UNESCO creative city in the new era."

The festival includes an Asian program; a program called "Today's Vietnamese Cinema" featuring 19 Vietnamese films produced in the past year; seminars and discussions; exchanges with the audience; a "talent nurturing" workshop; and tours of Da Nang’s relic sites and scenic spots.