SCRIPT LAB - GENRE 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 (U.S.A).

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.)