Vietnam's beach city Đà Nẵng is adding a new string to its creative bow: the first Đà Nẵng International Smartphone Film Festival (DNSFF 2026), running this December under the tagline 'One Hand, Endless Cinema'. The idea is simple — if you've got a phone, you can make a film.
The festival is organised by the Yecheon Smartphone Film Festival Organising Committee from South Korea, and it's open to anyone: individuals or teams, Vietnamese or international. Entries can tackle any subject, must run no longer than 30 minutes, and need to meet copyright rules. The deadline for submissions is November 15, with details at danangsff.com. Selected films will be screened at APEC Sculpture Garden Park by the Hàn River on December 12, followed by the awards ceremony and closing event.
The Korean connection runs deep. Director Jang Cheol-soo — known for Bedevilled and Secretly, Greatly — is on board as artistic general director, actress Shin So-yul (Reply 1997) serves as promotional ambassador, and directors Jung Yong-ki and Kim Se-seong join the jury. December 11 is earmarked for a student film exchange forum and the signing of a memorandum of understanding on Vietnam–Korea film and cultural exchange.
There's a bigger picture here too. Đà Nẵng already runs the Đà Nẵng Asian Film Festival (launched in 2023) and the annual Việt Nam–Korea Festival, and it has been promoting its film scene at the Busan International Film Festival's Asian Contents and Film Market. Earlier this year, the Korean Character Business Association agreed with Đà Nẵng TV and Radio Station to develop an AI-driven animated film about the city's history and culture. The city hosts around 30 domestic and international film crews a year, and local estimates suggest that attracting just 5% of tourists to filming locations could bring in US$200 million.
For travellers, the timing is worth noting: December is peak season in central Vietnam, so if you're in Đà Nẵng for the beaches or the Marble Mountains, you could catch an open-air screening by the river — and it's a reminder that the city is quietly building a reputation as one of Southeast Asia's friendlier spots for creative and film tourism.
