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.
24 June 2025

The Asian Film Awards Academy proudly presents a newly released promotional short film, launched online on June 23, featuring this year’s AFA18 Youth Ambassadors — 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). Conceived and produced by the Academy, the project brings together four rising talents from across Asia — each with a unique background and artistic voice — to explore identity, connection, and the spirit of cinema.

 

Set against the vivid backdrop of Hong Kong, the film follows the actors as they move through the city’s quieter corners — from the neon-lit streets of Nathan Road and nostalgic shopping malls to phone booths and hidden rooftops. Through monologues, gestures, and moments of reflection, the film traces the uncertainty and quiet courage of young artists finding their way. Built around the theme “Encounter Each Other · Encounter Oneself · Encounter Cinema,” the piece reflects the Academy’s commitment to nurturing emerging talent and fostering creative exchange across borders.

 

Filmed in Hong Kong during the 18th Asian Film Awards, the short was co-directed by Lin CHAN and LI Chung Shun, who were specially invited by the Academy to help bring this vision to life. Director LI shared: “Each of them brought something profoundly human to the screen — Okada encountered the passage and return of time; Aokbab, the courage to face life’s turning points; Austin, a quiet inner stillness; and Lo, the persistence that drives creativity. And as for me, I encountered 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

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