Vietnam has a deep spirituality, and its cuisine is among the world's finest — so said Jane Seymour, the actress who once played the heroine of a James Bond film. She visited the 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV), which opened on June 28, 2026, and praised Da Nang's beauty and Vietnamese culture. To Da Nang, with its strong image of sea and beaches, a new face — "film and culture tourism" — is added. The article was published on June 28, 2026.
Opening June 28, running through July 4
The 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV) will be held from June 28 to July 4, 2026, in Da Nang, central Vietnam. As a celebration of Asian cinema returning year after year, it holds not only screenings but also masterclasses and audience meet-and-greets.
One of this year's guests is actress Jane Seymour, born in 1951. Known for playing Solitaire in the eighth Bond film, "Live and Let Die," released in 1973, she has a career spanning over 50 years, including "Wedding Crashers" (2005).
What Seymour said in Da Nang
At the festival, Seymour attended the screening of "Somewhere in Time" in the "American Cinema Spotlight" section and led an acting masterclass at DANAFF Talents 2026. She also interacted with Vietnamese audiences.
She described Vietnamese people as "having deep souls," praised Vietnamese cuisine as "one of the world's finest," and stressed Da Nang's beauty. This visit is a return to Vietnam, she said.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Event | The 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF IV) |
| Dates | June 28 to July 4, 2026 |
| Venue | Da Nang, central Vietnam |
| Guest | Jane Seymour (born 1951, former Bond girl) |
| Appearances | "Somewhere in Time" screening / acting masterclass |
| Remarks | "Vietnamese people have deep souls" / "Vietnamese cuisine is among the world's finest" |
To a Da Nang beyond the beach
Da Nang is known as a beach resort, but cultural events like a film festival draw out new appeal in the city. An international actor visiting and praising the city and its food is proof that Da Nang is broadening into a "city to spend time in, a city to savor culture in."
In Da Nang, diverse experiences such as food and music are growing. Like the topic of the "shouting ice-cream vendor" becoming a local fixture at the fireworks festival (Related articles), the whole city is becoming a stage for experiences.
A discovery for Japanese travelers
For Japanese travelers, Da Nang is a popular destination with direct flights and easy access. Timing your trip to the festival period (6/28-7/4) gives you a travel excuse to "be present at a cultural celebration" on top of the beach. The masterclass and screenings by a famous actor are not to be missed for film lovers.
With music videos being filmed at the World Heritage royal palace and more (Related articles), central Vietnam is raising its presence as a "stage for culture." Working one cultural event into a Da Nang trip lifts the satisfaction of the stay a notch.
Summary
Former Bond girl Jane Seymour praised the city and its cuisine at the Da Nang Asian Film Festival. Da Nang's "film and culture" face, beyond just sea and beaches, becomes a new motive for summer travel. Timing your trip to the June 28-July 4 period lets you be present at screenings and masterclasses. Add the perspective of a cultural celebration to your next Da Nang trip.
The Da Nang Asian Film Festival as a new magnetic field
The Da Nang Asian Film Festival (DANAFF), edition by edition, gathers international guests, an attempt to position central Vietnam as a "hub of Asian cinema." In addition to screenings, it programs masterclasses to nurture young talent and audience interaction, making the whole city a stage for the film celebration. A famous actor like Jane Seymour visiting and praising the city and its food lifts Da Nang's brand value.
A film festival is also a gateway to "film tourism." Interest in visiting filming locations and in filmmaking culture is a tourism resource that creates repeat visitors. On top of beaches and fine dining, the experience of "being present at a cultural celebration" gives a Da Nang stay a new motive. That a World Heritage royal palace becomes the stage for a music video, and central Vietnam's rising presence as a stage for screen culture, are part of the same current.
A practical note for Japanese travelers
Da Nang has direct flights from Japan and is easy to reach. Timing your itinerary to the festival period (June 28-July 4, 2026) gives you a chance to join screenings and masterclasses. Just working one cultural event into a beach stay greatly changes the satisfaction of the trip. For the latest program, including guest-appearance info, check the official announcements.
Frequently asked questions
When and where is the film festival?
The 4th Da Nang Asian Film Festival is held June 28-July 4, 2026, in Da Nang, central Vietnam.
What can you do there?
In addition to film screenings, masterclasses to nurture young talent and audience interaction are held.
How is access to Da Nang?
There are direct flights from Japan, making it an easy destination to reach. Timing your trip to the festival period lets you work a cultural event into your itinerary.
Sources
Tuổi Trẻ News: Bond girl Jane Seymour visits the Da Nang Asian Film Festival
