GENRE FILM PROJECTS 2026

In 2025, DANAFF III marked the first launch of the Workshop & Project Market as part of DANAFF Talents. Within this framework, the Genre Film Projects section, dedicated to Vietnamese filmmakers – gathering new voices in Vietnamese cinema with clear genre orientation, feasible development structure and aspiration to connect with the market. Selected projects reflect a vibrant appearance in the Vietnamese market developed by young teams with creative thinking and methodical implementation strategies. In its inaugural season, the Genre Film Project received substantial support and close collaboration from the Motion Picture Association (MPA) and mylab. Notably, 2025 edition made a strong impression, with serveral projects going on to continue their journeys at international project markets and film festivals such as the Busan International Film Festival and the Bangkok International Film Festival,... earning awards and moving closer to the production completion stage.

In 2026, the Genre Film Project will return in a new format: Script Lab. This initiative responds to the growing demand for high-quality, production-ready screenplays. The lab targets professional fiction screenwriters aiming to refine their scripts and move closer to the production stage. Application opens for Vietnamese projects only. Notably, the 2026 program will be supported by Columbia University.

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE LAB

• The Best Project Award will be announced during the Closing Ceremony.

• Workshops & Seminars: In-depth sessions on theme, story structure, character development, dialogue, pacing, and subtext for each selected script.

• One-on-One Mentoring: Personalized feedback from established screenwriters and creative advisors.

• Industry Panels & Networking: Engaging discussions with producers, directors, and executives.

• Pitching Session: Participants will pitch their projects in front of a jury consisting of professional producers, directors, and industry experts from the region.

• DANAFF will cover round-trip airfare and accommodation for two members of the selected project (screenwriter and one team member (e.g., producer, director) to attend the Script Lab & Project Market in Da Nang, Viet Nam.

(The ticket is valid for flights to or from Viet Nam, provided the flight operates within Vietnamese territory.)

APPLICATION PROCESS

Round 1: Submission timeline: 15 December – 10 January 2026

Submit the following:

· Logline (max. 150 words)

· Synopsis (750–1500 words)

· Treatment (12–15 pages)

· The first ten pages of your script

· CV and bio of the creative team (screenwriter, producer, director)

Applications submitted in Vietnamese

Round 2: Submission timeline: 30 January – 15 March 2026

If selected, submit:

· The complete screenplay

· Updated synopsis

· (Optional) Directing sample or visual references

Applications submitted in Vietnamese and English

Selected projects will be announced by April, 2026.

REGULATIONS: 

· Submissions must be in both Vietnamese and English

· In case the script has more than one screenwriter, one screenwriter among the group must carry Vietnamese citizenship.

· The majority of the film must be shot in Vietnam. 

• By submitting a project, filmmakers grant DANAFF and Autumn Meeting the right to include project materials during the festival and for promotional purposes.

• Applicants must own or hold the necessary rights to their projects and are responsible for ensuring that their submissions do not infringe upon any copyrights or intellectual property rights.

• For all final selected projects, the DANAFF logo must be included on project, on the film credit and on all promotional materials.

• Documentary is not included

Please send all materials to: [email protected].