“Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” Launches Asian Tour
Aaron Kwok to Meet Fans in Kuala Lumpur, Promoting Asian Cinema with the Spirit of “Together We Dare”
The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) proudly announces a vibrant lineup of programs launching this August through March 2026, leading up to the annual highlight – the 19th Asian Film Awards (AFA19). Continuing under the banner of “Together”, the Academy gathers the daring spirit of filmmakers across Asia to present a series of events.
The first in the lineup, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation,” will take place in Bangkok (August) and Kuala Lumpur (September). Papa and Cesium Fallout have been selected as the opening films in Bangkok, while My First of May will open in Kuala Lumpur, with its leading actor, Aaron Kwok, attending in person to meet local audiences.
Following these launches, Asian Cinerama, the International Film Camp, and the Journey to the Fest will roll out. Renowned filmmakers and talents from across Asia will take part, including John Chong, Stanley Kwan, Thai star Mean Phiravich Attachitsataporn, Japanese director Yoshiyuki Okayama, and Berlin award-winning director Satoko Yokohama.
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation: Bangkok ｜Together We Dare to CaptureOpening on August 29, the Bangkok edition focuses on the theme of “To Capture.” Celebrated two-time Hong Kong Film Awards winner for Best Cinematography Anthony Pun will be the spotlight guest. His directorial work Cesium Fallout will serve as one of the opening films, alongside Papa, starring Sean Lau, winner of Best Actor at the 18th Asian Film Awards. Producer Amy Chin and actor Dylan So will also attend.
The Academy is partnering with House Samyan Cinema, presenting a curated lineup also including Montages of a Modern Motherhood, Fight For Tomorrow, Last Song For You, Four Trails, animated classic Princess Chang Ping (Part 1), and 4K restoration of Shanghai Blue. Actor Lo Chun Yip, AFA Youth Ambassador, will represent Montages of a Modern Motherhood.
A Hong Kong–Thailand talent exchange forum will also take place, bringing together Lo Chun Yip, Dylan So, Mean Phiravich Attachitsataporn, and Top Todsapol Maisuk. They will discuss performance craft and on-set collaboration, echoing the spirit of “Together We Dare to Share.”
Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation: Kuala Lumpur ｜Together We Dare to EndeavourOpening on September 20, the Kuala Lumpur edition will feature My First of May, a touching drama about a squash champion father (Aaron Kwok) reconciling with his ailing daughter. Aaron will join audiences in a post-screening talk, reflecting on his journey portraying a man who learns to shoulder family responsibility with heartfelt authenticity.
Partnering with GSC Movies, the program will screen multiple Hong Kong titles across GSC cinemas, including Four Trails, Good Game, Fight For Tomorrow, True Love, for Once in My Life, and Aaron Kwok’s 2019 starring film I’m Livin’ It. Special guests include Robin Lee (director of Four Trails), Locker Lam (lead actor of Fight For Tomorrow), and action choreographers MJ Chan (Fight For Tomorrow)and Ken Law Ho Ming (Good Game). Together, Chan and Law, representing a new generation of Hong Kong action directors, will showcase the evolution of martial arts cinema for Malaysian audiences, aligning with the theme “To Endeavour.”
Beyond Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” will extend to Cambodia, Vietnam, Dubai, Indonesia, and Singapore throughout the second half of 2025. The Academy will also co-host “Hong Kong Night” once again with the Busan International Film Festival during its 30th edition this September, further strengthening cross-regional cinematic ties.
Asian Cinerama | Together We Dare to Grow
From August 30 to September 7, Asian Cinerama will return to K11 Art House MCL Cinema under the theme “Growing Light,” presenting eight acclaimed Asian films. Guest speakers include Korean director Seo Yoo-min, Japanese filmmakers Yoshiyuki Okayama and Satoko Yokohama, and Thai star Pae Arak Amornsupasiri.
International Film Camp | Together We Dare to InnovateFrom September 10 to 17, the 2nd International Film Camp will nurture rising directors with 18 short and mid-length projects in competition. Eight winning projects will each receive HK$300,000 production funding. Mentorship includes John Chong as Chief Mentor, a masterclass by Stanley Kwan, and guidance from industry leaders such as Chan Hing Ka and Anthony Chen.
Journey to the Fest | Together We Dare to Explore
From October 27 to November 5, the Academy will take tertiary students to the 38th Tokyo International Film Festival, offering them firsthand exposure to screenings, red carpets, and market events. The initiative aims to broaden career horizons through experiential learning.
Cross-Media Art Collaboration | Together We Dare to CrossoverFor the first time, the Academy will collaborate with Asian artists in a cross-disciplinary project extending the identity of AFA19 into the cityscape. The inaugural collaboration invites Bangkok-based Bangladeshi artist Kazi Istela to create a themed artwork showcased at the Gala Presentation in Bangkok, accompanied by limited-edition souvenir.
From August 2025 to March 2026, the Asian Film Awards Academy will unite screenings, industry exchanges, and youth programs under the ethos of “Together We Dare.” These initiatives will culminate in the 19th Asian Film Awards in March 2026, celebrating the finest of Asian cinema.
With thanks to (in no order):
Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong SAR (CCIDAHK), Film Development Fund, Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices across Asia, Sands China, HOUSE Samyan, GSC Movies.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
