Closing Ceremony of the 2nd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF) 2024

On the evening of July 6th, the Ariyana Convention Centre Danang had the honour of welcoming over 800 distinguished guests, including leaders from the city of Da Nang, various department representatives, organisers, and top Vietnamese artists, for the closing ceremony of the 2nd Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF II) 2024, under the theme ‘Bridging Asia.’

The impressive closing ceremony featured numerous awards presented to outstanding films, directors, and actors. The success of DANAFF II contributed to the realization of the goal to position Da Nang within UNESCO’s network of creative cities.

At the closing ceremony and awards presentation, DANAFF II presented awards in two categories: the Asian Competition and the Vietnamese Competition. The prestigious Grand Prize for Best Film in the Vietnamese Competition category was awarded to “Mai,” directed by Trấn Thành. Additionally, “Mai” received two other significant awards: Best Actress (Phương Anh Đào) and Best Director (Trấn Thành). Other awards in the Vietnamese Competition category included Best Actor, awarded to Thái Hòa for “Lật mặt 7: Một điều ước” by Lý Hải, and the Audience Choice Award for Favorite Vietnamese Film, which went to the animated film collection “Cá chép của ông Táo,” “Độc lạ làng Khoai,” and “Đội lân sư nhí nhố.” The NETPAC Award was also given to “Lật mặt 7: Một điều ước.”

In the Asian Competition category, the Grand Prize for Best Film was awarded to the Vietnamese film “Cu li không bao giờ khóc.” Other awards included Best Screenplay for Liu Jiayin (for “Những mảnh đời đáng giá”), Best Actor for Wu Kang Ren (for “Nguyện ước vĩnh cửu”), Best Actress for Yuumi Kawai (for “Cuộc đời của Ann”), Best Director for Phạm Thiên Ân (for “Bên trong vỏ kén vàng”), and the Special Jury Award for “Cuộc đời của Ann.”

DANAFF Continues to Enhance Its Professionalism

Speaking at the closing ceremony of DANAFF II, Mr. Trần Chí Cường, Vice Chairman of the Da Nang People’s Committee, stated that DANAFF II, with the theme “Bridging Asia,” brought a vibrant and colorful week of cinema to Da Nang. This marks the second time Da Nang has successfully hosted an international film event. Throughout the week of DANAFF II, a wide range of activities took place, including public film screenings at various theaters, outdoor movie showings, film crew meet-and-greets, artist interactions, and international workshops and seminars. Notably, for the first time in Vietnam, DANAFF II presented a Lifetime Achievement Award to an outstanding filmmaker, Director – People’s Artist Đặng Nhật Minh. “All these activities have left a positive impression on a wide audience, including students, film professionals, and experts in the field,” Mr. Trần Chí Cường expressed.

Dr. Ngô Phương Lan, Chairwoman of the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), Co-Head of the Organizing Committee, and Director of DANAFF, highly praised the professionalism in organizing DANAFF II. She remarked that all events and activities at DANAFF II created a vibrant, harmonious, youthful, and lively symphony that was surely felt by the distinguished guests, artists, filmmakers, and audience.

According to Dr. Ngô Phương Lan, the success of DANAFF II was attributed to the enthusiastic participation of 800 guests and delegates, including nearly 80 international delegates, over 100 journalists and editors from various media outlets, more than 100 volunteers, and tens of thousands of audience members. Additionally, the dedication and hard work of more than 100 members of the Organizing Committee, Subcommittees, and hundreds of others who supported the festival day and night contributed to the event’s success. “We ask that you continue to place your trust in us so that future DANAFF editions will be larger and more professional, helping to develop Vietnam’s film industry and soon position Da Nang—a city strong in creative content and festivals—within UNESCO’s network of creative cities,” Dr. Ngô Phương Lan expressed as a goal for future editions of DANAFF.

The Furama – Ariyana Da Nang International Tourism Complex was honored to be the main venue hosting the esteemed jury members, renowned artists, and serving as the location for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, as well as various activities and conferences throughout the event.

We wish the esteemed event organizers and guests good health, success, and happiness. We look forward to welcoming you back at next year’s Da Nang Asian Film Festival.