The ministry stated the event, scheduled for November 4-8, was delayed due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and international travel restrictions.

Vietnam closed its borders and suspended all international flights on March 25, and only issues visas for foreigners who hold diplomatic or official passports, alongside experts and highly skilled workers.

Celebrities from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, India, France, U.S. and others had attended previous editions of the festival.

Founded in 2010, HANIFF is the first international film festival in Vietnam. The biennial cultural event aims to honor outstanding cinematographic works to expand the domestic movie market to international audiences.

A total six prizes were awarded to international films and celebrities at HANIFF 2018, with the Philippines' Christian Bables taking home the Best Leading Actor Award, with five awards going to entries from Kazakhstan, Poland, South Korea, Iran and Serbia.