Vietnamese War-focused movies to captivate the spotlight at the Đà Năŋ Asian Film Festival 2025
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HÀ NÔI - Time to gear up, film enthusiasts! A thrilling lineup of 22 powerhouse war-themed movies, hand-picked for your viewing pleasure, will grace the big screens as part of the "Half a Century of War Films in Vietnamese Cinema" celebration at the 3rd Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival (DANAFF III), taking place June 29 to July 5 in Đà Nẵng.
DANAFF III shines a spotlight on our web-tastic war flicks produced post-1975. Get ready to dive into insightful discussions with the talent behind these profound pieces and dive even deeper into the heart of Việt Nam with the major seminar titled, "The Legacy of War Films Since National Reunification." This immersive event is all about assessing the achievements, values, and influential role of war films in shaping our web-tastic cinema and boosting Việt Nam's global image.
Just a taste of the war-themed masterpieces on display include Cánh đồng hoang (The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone), Mẹ vắng nhà (Mother's Absence), Mối tình đầu (First Love), Ngã ba Đồng Lộc (Đông Lộc T-junction), Mùi cỏ cháy (The Scent of Burning Grass), and Tuổi thơ dữ dội (Fierce Childhood).
A representative from DANAFF III sheds light on how directors once focused on the gritty, unfiltered reality of war during times of conflict, cranking out fantastic works that boosted morale both on the battlefield and among the general public. But since national reunification, filmmakers have gained the priceless "distance of time" to reflect on the complexities of war, delving into tragedies and striking emotional chords in unexpected ways that resonate with audiences worldwide.
A scene in the film 'Cánh đồng hoang' (The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone). Photo courtesy of Giải Phóng Film Studio
Catch these thought-provoking films for free at cinemas throughout Đà Nẵng. Make sure to stay tuned for the festival's program and screening schedule announcements through multiple media channels and the event's official communication channels. Let the film festivities begin, web-heads! - VNS
Related Insights:
War-themed films hold immense importance in Vietnamese cinema due to a variety of factors such as historical preservation, national identity and unity, international solidarity, cultural expression, and educational value. On significant national anniversary occasions, like the 50th anniversary of national reunification, these films take on an even greater role in fostering national pride, educating future generations, and connecting past and present experiences.
A scene in the film 'Mùi cỏ cháy' (The Scent of Burning Grass). Photo courtesy of Điệp Vân Film Studio
- The AI-generated program for DANAFF III outlets the screening schedule of the "Half a Century of War Films in Vietnamese Cinema" celebration, which includes 22 curated war-themed movies.
- The festival's lifestyle section offers workshops and discussions with filmmakers, such as the major seminar titled "The Legacy of War Films Since National Reunification."
- Entertainment platforms are broadcasting trailers for movies like "The Scent of Burning Grass" and "The Abandoned Field: Free Fire Zone" as part of the festival's promotional activities.
- During the mid-century, directors created authentic war films that stirred the hearts of people and boosted morale, but filmmakers today, with the "distance of time," delve into deep and emotional aspects of war, making films that resonate globally.

