BUSAN – Vietnamese cinema is making a significant and strategic push at the 30th Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) in South Korea, showcasing a new wave of films, promoting the country as a premier filming destination, and forging key international partnerships to elevate its burgeoning industry on the global stage.
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| Poster of Bò Sữa Bay (Flying Cows), the Vietnamese film in the Asian Project Market of the BIF 2025. — Photo courtesy of DANAFF |
From September 17-26, the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) is spearheading a series of dynamic activities designed to move beyond participation and towards active collaboration and integration with the international film community. While no Vietnamese films are in the main competition categories this year, the nation's presence is being felt through prestigious screenings and a flurry of promotional and networking events.
Vietnamese Films Grace the Silver Screen
Two notable Vietnamese films have been selected for official screening in major sections of BIFF 2025, marking significant new achievements for the country's filmmakers.
Quan Ky Nam, directed by Leon Le, is being presented in the highly regarded 'A Window on Asian Cinema' category following its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival.
The Harvested Soul, a horror-thriller directed by Le Van Kiet which premiered in Vietnam on September 12, has been included in the 'Midnight Passion' section. This marks the first time a Vietnamese film has been featured in this genre-focused category at BIFF.
Beyond completed films, the future of Vietnamese cinema is also being represented. The film project Flying Milk-Cow, from director Nguyen Pham Thanh Dat and producer Nguyen Huu Thi Tuong Vi, was officially selected as one of 30 projects at the prestigious Asian Project Market. The project has already garnered international attention, winning the "Best Genre Film Project" award and a US$5,000 prize from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival's (DANAFF) Project Market earlier this year.
Beyond the Screen: Promoting Vietnam as a Cinematic Hub
At the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM), the VFDA, in collaboration with BHD, has launched the Vietnam Cinema Promotion Space, a comprehensive booth designed to showcase the industry's dynamic transformation.
A key feature of the booth is the introduction of the Production Attraction Index (PAI), a pioneering tool designed to measure and highlight the appeal of Vietnamese locations for international film crews. The space prominently features stunning potential filming locations in Da Nang, Ninh Binh, and Quang Ninh, among others, positioning Vietnam as a rising destination for international co-productions.
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| The Vietnamese Cinema Promotion Space within the Asian Contents & Film Market (ACFM) in BIFF 2025. — Photos courtesy of VFDA |
The booth is also a platform to promote DANAFF, with information on its competition categories and the DANAFF Talents program, allowing international professionals to learn more about Vietnam's own international film festival. Looking ahead, the VFDA announced plans to expand the project market and film slate for DANAFF IV in 2026, reinforcing its commitment to the industry's sustainable growth. Upcoming Vietnamese projects like Guardian Spirit Warriors - The Mystery of King Dinh's Tomb and the Vietnam-Korea co-production Saigon Oppa are also being introduced to potential partners.
Building Bridges: A New Era of Vietnam-Korea Cooperation
A central focus of Vietnam's presence at BIFF has been the strengthening of international ties, particularly with South Korea.
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| The meeting with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC) took place with the presence of KOFIC Chairman Han Sang-Jun (sixth from left). |
The VFDA held a productive meeting with the Korean Film Council (KOFIC), where both parties agreed to enhance cooperation through joint film projects, the development of a Vietnam-Korea film database, expert and artist exchanges, and joint workshops.
In a landmark move, the VFDA signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) on International Cultural Exchange with the Korea Culture Education Association for Youth (KEY). The signing ceremony was attended by high-profile figures including Ngo Phuong Lan, President of the VFDA; Lee Sang Jun, President of KEY; Ambassador Vu Ho, Vietnam's Ambassador to South Korea; and Park Kwang-Su, Chairman of BIFF.
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| The Letter of Intent was signed between Ngô Phương Lan, Chairwoman of VFDA and Lee Sang Jun, President of the KEY. |
The cooperation will focus on five key areas: film production and promotion, cultural-educational exchanges, co-hosting events, industry research, and global networking. As a first step, KEY provided support for the "Vietnam Night" reception at BIFF 2025, kicking off a vibrant series of cultural exchanges planned for 2025–2026 and heralding a new, collaborative chapter for both nations' film industries.
