AFA 18: Press Conference Officially Marks the Countdown to the Ceremony!
Press conference draws wide media attention, building excitement for the March 16 ceremony and upcoming events.
The 18th Asian Film Awards (AFA) has officially begun! The press conference was successfully held on January 10 at The Langham, bringing together over 100 media and film industry professionals. The event provided an exciting preview of the Awards Ceremony, which will take place on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District. The eagerly awaited nomination list was also announced during the press conference.
This year’s Awards features the theme “Empowering Ideas Together”, with the key visual symbolises the collective power of filmmakers collaborating to tell impactful stories that elevate Asian cinema to new heights. Inspired by mountain peaks, the visual represents filmmakers’ relentless pursuit of excellence as they conquer one creative summit after another. The vibrant, pulsating lines reflect the innovative contributions of the new generation, infusing fresh energy into the ever-evolving world of Asian cinema.
Dr. Wilfred WONG warmly welcomed everyone through the video message, saying, “Over the past year, AFAA has organised events such as the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation and Asian Cinerama, bringing the charm of Hong Kong and Asian cinema to various countries and regions while fostering stronger connections among filmmakers worldwide. This year, the 18th Asian Film Awards aims to continue celebrating the outstanding achievements of Asian cinema and creating new opportunities for filmmakers. We sincerely invite everyone to join us on March 16 at the Xiqu Centre in the West Kowloon Cultural District.”
Mr. Park Kwang-Soo, Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, and Mr. Hiroyasu Ando, Chairman of the Tokyo International Film Festival, also sent their heartfelt messages of support via video. Mr. Park expressed his honour in once again collaborating with Hong Kong and Tokyo to support the Asian film industry, saying, “I look forward to meeting everyone soon!” Mr. Ando added, “Although the history of the Asian film industry is relatively young, this region holds immense potential for growth. We believe that more and more outstanding films will be created in the future. I sincerely hope that the Asian Film Awards can serve as a driving force in supporting the growth and collaboration within the Asian film industry. Looking forward to the ceremony in March!”
The press conference welcomed esteemed guests, including Mr. Gary MAK, Assistant Head of Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Secretary-General of the Film Development Council; Ms. Josie LIN, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy; and Mr. Fred WANG, Chairman of Salon Films Group and Board Member of the Asian Film Awards Academy.
This year, the Academy is pleased to have Sammo HUNG, the internationally renowned Hong Kong director, action choreographer, and actor, serve as the Jury President. Widely regarded as a pioneer of Hong Kong action cinema, HUNG has received numerous international accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 16th Asian Film Awards and the 42nd Hong Kong Film Awards. He attended the press conference in person, sharing his hopes for the future of Asian cinema. HUNG also encouraged the next generation of filmmakers to embrace challenges and strive to create more remarkable works, saying ” I’m so excited to be this year’s Jury President and to have the chance to meet all the cinephiles. Hong Kong cinema has worldwide acclaim! The Asian Film Awards are such a great opportunity to bring filmmakers across Asia together and celebrate the amazing history of Asian cinema.”
At the same time, the Academy appointed five distinguished representatives from across Asia to be the Ambassadors and Youth Ambassadors, showcasing the diversity and creativity of Asian cinema through their passion for filmmaking across generations and regions. The Ambassador, Japanese actor Dean FUJIOKA, along with three of the Youth Ambassadors, Thai actress Aokbab Chutimon, Taiwanese actor Austin LIN, and Japanese actor Masaki OKADA, showed up in the press conference via video.
Dean FUJIOKA expressed his excitement about collaborating with the Youth Ambassadors to promote Asian cinema. Chutimon shared her enthusiasm for connecting with filmmakers from across Asia, while LIN highlighted the significance of the Asian Film Awards as a valuable platform that unites filmmakers. And OKADA shared his anticipation for celebrating this year’s winners. The representative from Hong Kong, LO Chun Yip, attended the event in person. He shared his previous experience in AFAA which allowed him to mingle with filmmakers around the world.
Joining LO Chun Yip, the Academy specially invited four talented actors, including LIN Min Chen, Philip NG, Kenny WONG, and Jennifer YU, to announce the nominees for the 18th Asian Film Awards. While announcing the nominees for Best Costume Design and Best Original Music, LIN Min Chen and Kenny WONG discussed their insights on film music and styling. Min Chen complimented Kenny’s OOTD as being very stylish and expressed her interest in singing an OST for a film in the future. Philip and LO shared their past collaboration, and the room erupted in applause when Philip’s name was announced as a nominee for Best Supporting Actor. Jennifer YU also spoke about the similarity between being a mother and an actress. The press conference was filled with enjoyable interactions.
The press conference concluded with a toast to wish for the success of the 18th Asian Film Awards. In the coming three months, the Asian Film Awards Academy will launch a series of exciting activities, including the “Asian Cinerama” organised in collaboration with the Broadway Cinematheque, showcasing selected nominated works, as well as masterclasses and sharing sessions with Asian filmmakers. Fans will not only have the opportunity to enjoy the nominated films but also interact closely with internationally renowned filmmakers and our ambassadors. Stay tuned and we look forward to seeing you at the 18th Asian Film Awards Ceremony on March 10!
The 18th Asian Film Awards Ceremony
Date: 16 March 2025 (Sunday)
Location: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Asian Films Awards Academy
The Asian Films Awards Academy, a non-profit organisation, was founded by Busan, Hong Kong and Tokyo International Film Festivals with the shared goal of celebrating excellence in Asian cinema. Aiming to promote and recognize Asian films and its talents, AFAA highlights, strengthens and develops Asian film industry through the annual Asian Film Awards and several year-round initiatives.
The Asian Film Awards was inaugurated in 2007, where members of AFAA are drawn from its past nominees and winners. The category of awards includes Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Members vote for the Asian Film Awards and participate in various AFAA activities involving film professionals and audiences in Asia and around the world.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
