In 2026, the DANAFF IV Organizing Committee, in collaboration with Columbia University (USA) and international partners, launched the Genre Film Projects for Vietnamese cinema under a Script Lab format. The program brings together a mentor panel consisting of experienced producers, screenwriters, directors, and professors from various countries to accompany participants throughout the development and refinement of their projects.
During the eight-day intensive script development workshop, mentors will conduct direct one-on-one consultation sessions with participants, providing critical feedback, evaluations, and support to polish the selected screenplays.
Jack Lechner: A producer, professor, and writer with extensive experience in cinema and education. He has produced numerous international film projects and teaches film in the United States. Lechner is recognized for his contributions to project development, screenwriting training, and connecting young filmmakers with the international market.
Tony Bui: A Vietnamese-American screenwriter, director, and professor. He is well-known for his cinematic works, which have participated in prestigious international film festivals. Alongside his creative and directorial endeavors, Bui is actively involved in teaching, project development, mentorship, and supporting young cinematic talent.
Anthony Chen: A screenwriter, director, and producer from Singapore. Chen is a prominent figure in contemporary Asian cinema, with critically acclaimed works that have garnered awards at international film festivals. His extensive experience in script development and production is expected to offer practical insights to the participating projects.
Sabrina Dhawan: An Indian screenwriter and professor renowned for her international cinematic works. She serves as a lecturer and mentor in various screenwriting and film project development programs across the United States and Asia. Dhawan possesses substantial experience in crafting globally resonant stories while preserving local cultural identities.
Kristy Lowrey: A screenwriter and producer with many years of experience in content development and film production. She has been involved in numerous film projects and professional training programs, guiding young filmmakers through script refinement and project development strategies.
Phillip Van: A Vietnamese-American screenwriter with extensive experience in writing for both film and television. He regularly participates in training programs and project development mentorship, assisting young writers in shaping stories tailored for the international market.
The gathering of an experienced international mentor panel not only grants participants access to modern script development methodologies but also opens up opportunities for Vietnamese film projects to connect with a network of global experts, producers, and partners.
Through these intensive sessions, the participating Script Lab projects will refine their narrative structures, content development directions, and market access strategies. This program also serves as a platform to present stories deeply rooted in Vietnamese cultural identity to regional and global audiences.
DANAFF IV takes place from June 28 to July 4, 2026, in Da Nang under the theme "DANAFF - Bridging Asia to the World." The DANAFF Script Lab - Workshop & Project Market stands out as a premier professional highlight, contributing to the advancement of the Vietnamese film industry and strengthening its ties with the international cinematic community.
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