New Promotional Short Film Released Featuring Our Four Youth Ambassadors
Aokbab Chutimon, Austin LIN, OKADA Masaki, and LO Chun Yip Drift Through the Streets of Hong Kong, Reigniting the Spark of Storytelling.The Asian Film Awards Academy has unveiled a brand-new promotional short film starring this year’s Youth Ambassadors (listed alphabetically by last name): Aokbab Chutimon (Bad Genius, Thailand), Austin LIN (Marry My Dead Body, Taiwan), LO Chun Yip (Time Still Turns the Pages, Hong Kong), and OKADA Masaki (Drive My Car, Japan). Released online on June 23, the short follows each actor as they drift through the city’s quiet corners — from the neon glow of Nathan Road and nostalgic shopping malls to traditional phone booths and hidden rooftop hideouts. Through monologues, gestures, and glances, the film traces the uncertainty and courage of young performers finding their way. Framed around the theme “Encounter Each Other · Encounter Oneself · Encounter Cinema,” the piece reveals the inner worlds of a new generation of Asian actors.
The short film was shot in mid-March during the 18th Asian Film Awards and co-directed by Lin CHAN and LI Chung Shun, who captured each performer through a poetic visual lens. Director LI shared his appreciation for the sincerity of the actors, saying: “Each of them brought a unique story to the screen — Okada explored the passage and return of time; Aokbab, the courage to face life’s turning points; Austin, a quiet truth from within; and Lo, the persistence that fuels the creative path. And as for me, I met four extraordinary souls.”


Many of the filming locations became lasting memories for the cast. LIN recalled, “There was a little café tucked away in a building — it had that classic Hong Kong charm and quietness. I found it really romantic.” In one scene, he breaks down in tears on camera, fully releasing his emotions. “It was just a single shot, but the setup was quite complex. Everyone worked together seamlessly, and that strong sense of teamwork gave me a real sense of accomplishment.”
OKADA, who voices the opening and closing monologues of the short film, described the experience as a return to his roots. “Through this shoot, I rediscovered who I am,” he shared. “It felt like retracing the path that led me here.” His lines were inspired by an impromptu on-set conversation, where he recalled being scolded by a director early in his career — a painful moment that ultimately affirmed his decision to keep acting. He also expressed gratitude to the Hong Kong crew: “Though our time together was short, it reminded me there are still endless possibilities ahead. That’s why saying goodbye was so hard.”
One of the most memorable scenes was Aokbab’s striking moment bowling in high heels — an image that captured her quiet strength and determination. Reflecting on the experience, she shared, “One of my favourite scenes was when we were all together. The energy — the exchange of ideas, emotions, and presence — sparked something new and inspiring.” Deeply resonating with the film’s theme “Encounter Cinema,” she added, “It’s like meeting another soul through the stories we tell on screen.” The directors praised her nuanced performance, noting how the symbolic bowling strike embodied the courage it takes to make life-changing decisions.
For LO, one particularly meaningful moment was the final scene shot atop a building in Tsim Sha Tsui, where all four actors finally “encounter” one another. “It was a very brief moment, but one I really looked forward to,” he shared. “None of us had worked together before, and cross-regional collaboration like this doesn’t happen often — it felt special.” The film’s message also spoke to him. “In this industry, you don’t always realise a step’s importance until you look back and see how many possibilities it created.” Looking back on his journey as an AFA18 Youth Ambassador, he added, “This experience pushed me to keep growing as an actor — and also consider exploring other roles behind the camera to continue evolving as a storyteller.”


Over just two days of filming, the four actors not only connected on and off camera — encountering one another and themselves — but also captured the journey through the lens of a film camera. They took turns photographing each other and snapped playful behind-the-scenes shots, creating heartfelt memories of their collaboration.
With this short film, the Asian Film Awards Academy aims to showcase the talent and creativity of Asia’s rising actors, while celebrating the growing vibrancy and influence of Asian cinema on the global stage. The film is now available on the Academy’s and Time · People · Place’s social media platforms, inviting audience to step into the cinematic world and feel the spark of storytelling alongside the four Youth Ambassadors.
Watch the film: https://youtu.be/5g-z14WLvws
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com