BUSAN — Experts and film industry representatives discussed ways to strengthen international cooperation, develop film projects and expand market access for Vietnamese cinema at a seminar held during the 31st Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2026).

At the seminar, titled 'Film Festivals – A Bridge Between Vietnamese Cinema and the World', participants highlighted the role of film festivals in connecting filmmakers, nurturing talent, promoting co-production and distribution, and attracting international film crews to Việt Nam.

Organised by the Việt Nam Film Development Association (VFDA), the seminar also called for stronger support for independent films and more practical cooperation between Việt Nam and international partners.

Strengthening international links

Kim Dong-ho, the founder of BIFF, praised the development of the Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival (DANAFF), recognising the festival's contribution and VFDA Chairwoman Ngô Phương Lan's efforts to promote Việt Nam's culture, country and cinema, while connecting Asian cinema with the world.

He also stressed the importance of VFDA bringing its seminar and DANAFF promotion to BIFF, and expressed hope that exchanges between Việt Nam and the Republic of Korea would expand and create more opportunities for international cooperation.

Việt Nam Ambassador to the Republic of Korea Vũ Hồ said cooperation between Việt Nam and the Republic of Korea should move beyond cultural exchange to concrete projects in script development, production, post-production, distribution and workforce training. He also noted that the use of artificial intelligence must go hand in hand with respect for copyright, artists' rights and creative originality.

VFDA Chairwoman and DANAFF Director Ngô Phương Lan highlighted the role of film festivals in bringing stories to new audiences, building professional relationships and creating opportunities for cooperation.

Vietnamese cinema has shown positive signs, with emerging young talent and a growing domestic market. However, she said stronger support systems and more effective connections were needed to turn this momentum into a sustainable international presence.

From international exposure to market development

Director Nguyễn Hoàng Điệp, known for the film Đập Cánh Giữa Không Trung (Flapping in the Middle of Nowhere) and attending BIFF 2026 with her new film 1982, shared her experience of more than a decade of project development activities in Busan.

Recalling her early visits as a young filmmaker with unfinished projects, she stressed the importance of a professional environment that inspires filmmakers, helps them find collaborators and supports their creative journeys.

Returning to Busan after more than 12 years, she was moved to see more Vietnamese filmmakers, producers and film organisations taking part. However, she said a major challenge remained: the lack of suitable screening venues for independent and art-house films to reach domestic audiences after their participation in international festivals.

Indonesian director Yosep Anggi Noen said filmmakers should remain true to the stories and concerns that matter to them rather than create films solely to meet festival selection preferences.

Kim Young-woo, a curator who has worked with BIFF's programming team and overseen the Asian Cinema Fund and Asian Project Market, said the growth of the domestic film market and a distinctive creative identity were creating more opportunities for Vietnamese films to attract attention at international festivals.

The discussion highlighted that international integration involves more than submitting films to festivals. It also requires stronger creative capacity, project development and wider routes for films to reach audiences.

DANAFF seeks to connect projects with the market 

A key topic was developing DANAFF Industry Days into a market-facing platform that can deliver tangible outcomes.

Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi said Đà Nẵng hoped to draw on the experience of the Asian Contents and Film Market (ACFM) in Busan to develop activities connecting projects with producers, investors and distributors. The city also aims to promote co-production and rights trading, while exploring how cultural, historical and heritage resources can serve as intellectual property with potential for film development.

Ngô Thị Bích Hạnh, VFDA Vice Chairwoman and co-founder of BHD, Vietnam Media and Vietnam Studio, shared her experience of developing the film market in Busan. She said a market did not necessarily need to start on a large scale. Sustained networking, project support and expanding cooperation were more important.

This approach could help DANAFF gradually evolve from an event showcasing films into a platform connecting professionals across the film industry.

Questions from international delegates focused on opportunities to work with Vietnamese actors, develop Korean content and intellectual property in Việt Nam.

In response, Lan introduced DANAFF Talents, which includes acting workshops launched in 2023, project incubation and script development, as well as cooperation with experts from Columbia University and the University of Southern California. She also highlighted the need to explore film development funds to provide additional resources for talent training, project development and production.

International delegates also raised the possibility of finding Vietnamese partners and screenwriters for a film set entirely in Việt Nam. VFDA representatives said they currently have no specific central-level fund for film production support to recommend, but the association could help connect producers with suitable local authorities and organisations. 

On attracting international film crews, Phạm Tuấn Long, Director of the Hà Nội Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, highlighted the capital's potential, including its heritage sites, architecture, craft villages and artistic workforce.

Nguyễn Thị Anh Thi said Đà Nẵng needed to promote its filming locations while improving procedures, infrastructure, services and coordination mechanisms to make the city more accessible to film productions.  — VNS