The Vietnamese delegation made a strong impression at TIFF 2025 with a diverse series of events organized by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA), in partnership with the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan. Key highlights included the seminar “Vietnam on Screen: Regional Voice, Global Vision”, the vibrant Vietnam Night gala, and - for the first time - a large-scale Vietnamese film promotion booth at the TIFFCOM film market.

These activities solidified VFDA’s role as a crucial connector between Vietnamese cinema and the global film industry, creating new opportunities for production, distribution, and attracting international crews to film in Vietnam.

During the festival, VFDA and the Vietnamese Embassy co-hosted the seminar “Vietnam on Screen: Regional Voice, Global Vision.” Attendees included Vietnamese Ambassador to Japan Pham Quang Hieu, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan (Chair of VFDA and Director of the Da Nang Asian Film Festival - DANAFF), Japanese Lower House MP Seiko Noda (President of the Japan Parliamentary Association for Film Promotion), and a diverse panel of filmmakers and industry leaders from Vietnam and Japan.

Two dynamic panel sessions - “Cinema Without Borders: Vietnam in the Asian and Global Context” and “Filming in Vietnam: Potential and Practice” - highlighted the power of international collaboration as the key to elevating Vietnamese cinema globally.

In her keynote address, Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan noted Vietnam's strong recovery and growth following the pandemic. The country is the first and only Asian market to surpass pre-pandemic box office revenues. In 2024, Vietnamese films held a remarkable 44% market share, up from just 25% in 2019 - surpassing even American titles.

“VFDA’s participation at TIFF 2025 is significantly broader and more dynamic than in previous years. Through this initiative, we aim to further position Vietnamese cinema at key global film markets and festivals,” Dr. Lan emphasized.

Panelists praised Vietnam’s rapidly improving film production environment and stressed that “cooperation” remains the most essential strategy for global integration.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen, attending TIFF with his film The Tunnel (Địa đạo), emphasized that international festival participation is just the beginning. “The ultimate goal is for Vietnamese films to resonate with international audiences. To achieve this, Vietnam must enhance its cultural and economic presence globally,” he said.

Producer Tran Thi Bich Ngoc highlighted the growing number of Southeast Asian co-productions, including partnerships with Japan and Europe. In response to this trend, the DANAFF Talents program was launched - an incubator for young Asian filmmakers, fostering collaboration and nurturing a robust cinematic ecosystem across the region.

That evening, VFDA and the Vietnamese Embassy hosted Vietnam Night - a prestigious event within TIFF’s official program. Notable attendees included Ambassador Pham Quang Hieu, Consul General Ngo Trinh Ha (Osaka), and Do Thanh Hai (Deputy General Director of Vietnam Television). Representing Japan was TIFF Chairman Hiroyasu Ando.

With over 350 international guests, the gala provided a vibrant space for Vietnamese and Japanese filmmakers, producers, and investors to explore collaboration opportunities.

“Vietnam Night is more than a cinematic celebration - it symbolizes our global aspirations,” Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan said, inviting international partners to attend DANAFF IV in Da Nang, scheduled for June 28 – July 4, 2026.

Director Bui Thac Chuyen, actress Diem Hang Lamoon (The Tunnel), and the 1982 film crew led by director Nguyen Hoang Diep were all present at Vietnam Night. The Tunnel was selected for TIFF’s World Focus section - one of its key international showcases - while 1982 was chosen for the Tokyo Gap-Financing Market (TGFM), part of TIFFCOM 2025.

Director Nguyen Hoang Diep shared her reflections: “Seeing VFDA’s expanded presence at TIFF this year, I feel the persistent efforts of our industry have been recognized. The fact that international friends are talking about a Vietnamese cinema boom is incredibly meaningful.”

The event also featured cultural performances, including a vibrant showcase by singer-actress Hoang Yen Chibi, who performed her hits “Nụ hôn đánh rơi” and “Hẹn gặp anh.”

From October 29 to 31, VFDA and the Embassy hosted a dedicated booth at the Ikebukuro Exhibition Center, showcasing Vietnam’s film industry and filming locations. Hundreds of international guests, including film professionals from Japan and beyond, visited the booth to explore partnerships.

“This is the first time Vietnam has had an independent promotional space at a class-A international film festival,” Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan said. “It marks a new milestone in positioning Vietnam as a destination for global filmmakers. Thanks to the strong support from the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan, we’ve been able to present Vietnamese cinema professionally while staying true to our cultural identity.”