19th Asian Film Awards Kick Off! First Round of Programme Ticket Sales!
AFAA programme features HWANG Dong-hyuk, creator of Squid Game; JIA Zhangke, whose works have been selected for major film festivals; and legendary actress ZHANG Ziyi.
The Asian Film Awards return with a compelling line-up of internationally acclaimed filmmakers and artists in attendance. Presented by the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) and the Film Development Fund, AFAA today announces three major Masterclass events at the 19th Asian Film Awards.
The programme features HWANG Dong-hyuk, creator of the global phenomenon Squid Game; acclaimed director JIA Zhangke, whose works have been selected for Europe’s three major international film festivals; and legendary Asian actress ZHANG Ziyi, each leading a Masterclass session. Spanning acting, auteur filmmaking, and series creation, the three Masterclasses invite audiences to explore contemporary cinema from multiple perspectives.
AFAA also unveiled the Youth Ambassadors for this year’s Awards — three emerging Asian actors from different regions: Phiravich ATTACHITSATAPORN (Mean), Natalie HSU, and Kent TSAI. They will attend the Awards Ceremony, bringing together regions and generations of Asian cinema, and highlighting the new energy shaping its future.
Since 2023, the Asian Film Awards’ featured programmes have received an enthusiastic response, with screenings and talks drawing strong interest and high demand. In addition to the Masterclasses, this year’s line-up will also include Asian Cinerama and a series of In Conversation events, with further details to be announced soon.
Limited Edition Special Package Ticket along with first-round tickets, will go on sale at 11:00 on 10 February. There is early bird price for Limited Edition Special Package Ticket until 28 February 2026. Tickets are limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
** in alphabetical order by last name
Masterclass: HWANG Dong-hyuk
Creator of Netflix’s global hit Squid Game
“Green light, red light.” With Squid Game, HWANG Dong-hyuk transformed a childhood game into a chilling test of survival. Its global impact extends beyond its premise — distilling themes of class and desperation into a visually striking, instantly recognisable series. From lethal childhood games to deceptively simple yet ruthless rules, and the bold use of colour and spatial design, every element reinforces the narrative and leaves a lasting impression.
Long before Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon, HWANG had built a diverse body of work — from the harrowing social drama Silenced to the heartfelt comedy Miss Granny. This Masterclass will trace his creative journey, exploring how years of persistence and craft culminated in a story that resonated across cultures.
Masterclass: JIA Zhangke
Turning Ordinary Lives into the Memory of an Era
Few filmmakers have shaped contemporary Chinese cinema as profoundly as JIA Zhangke. Known for his understated realism, he has spent decades capturing lives in a changing China with quiet precision. From Pickpocket (Xiao Wu) and Platform to Still Life, he turns everyday stories into films that resonate with audiences worldwide. Though set on Chinese streets and rooted in local communities, his work captures something universal — the experience of change.
A regular presence at Venice, Cannes and Berlin, JIA continues to bring a distinctive voice to international audiences. This Masterclass will explore his creative philosophy — how close observation becomes narrative, and how restraint shapes emotion on screen.
Masterclass: ZHANG Ziyi
A Leading Chinese Actress on the Global Stage
When speaking of ZHANG Ziyi, audiences often recall her iconic performances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon and The Grandmaster. Yet even before these landmark works, she had already brought depth and strength to her portrayals of Chinese women on screen. Early in her career, she demonstrated an exceptional ability to inhabit demanding roles. In Jasmine Women, she played three characters across three generations, capturing the evolving struggles and resilience of women within modern Chinese history. Through such performances, the international film community recognised a new generation of Chinese actresses capable of shaping history through character.
At a time when the global film industry remained largely male-dominated, ZHANG established her place through discipline, conviction and artistic authority. She went on to secure a prominent international standing, serving repeatedly as a juror at major film festivals — a reflection of her global recognition and influence.
In this upcoming masterclass, she will discuss how she approaches character-building to challenge expectations and expand the narrative space for Chinese actresses on the world stage.
Youth Ambassadors: A New Wave in Asian Cinema
Each year, the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) invites young actors as Youth Ambassadors to connect emerging talent with audiences across the region, reflecting the new generation of Asian cinema. Whether exploring new directions or navigating change, they continue to shape their own paths through experience and growth.
The Youth Ambassadors for the 19th Asian Film Awards are Phiravich ATTACHITSATAPORN (Mean), Natalie HSU, and Kent TSAI. Representing different regions and backgrounds, the three actors share a drive to take on new challenges and continue evolving — reflecting the diversity and dynamism of a new generation in Asian cinema.
Phiravich ATTACHITSATAPORN (Mean) rose to prominence with the television drama Love By Chance, quickly gaining recognition across Asia. Rather than repeating a familiar formula, he has sought out diverse genres and roles, challenging himself with each new project. From blending youthful emotion with horror in Blood Valentine to the comedy Pee Nak 2, and later The Yearbook, a series he both wrote and directed, Mean has pushed beyond his comfort zone. In 2021, his performance in Von earned him Best Supporting Actor at the 17th Kom Chad Luek Awards, marking a significant step in his evolution as an actor.
Natalie HSU entered the film industry at 17 and has never allowed her age to limit her choices. Since her debut in The Day We Lit Up the Sky, she has taken on increasingly complex roles. From the energetic teenage girl in Last Song for You to her nuanced portrayal of a muscular dystrophy patient in My First of May, she has demonstrated remarkable range in a short time, earning major lead actress nominations while still early in her career. In recent years, she has expanded beyond Hong Kong, appearing in Malaysian productions such as Pavane for an Infant and Mother Bhumi, and gradually extending her work across the Chinese-language and international market.
Kent TSAI first gained attention for his role as “A-Le” in the television series The Teenage Psychic, becoming widely associated with a bright, boy-next-door image. Rather than settling into a single style, he gradually shifted his focus toward film. From appearing in Giddens Ko’s Mon Mon Mon Monsters! to portraying a psychologically burdened student in Bad Education, Kent has revealed a darker and more layered side to his performances. More recently, he took on a physically and emotionally demanding role in 96 Minutes, sustaining tension through extended, confined one-take action sequences and demonstrating a more mature screen presence.
Through the journeys of these three actors, the Academy hopes to spotlight a new generation in Asian cinema — one that dares to try, adapts to change and pushes Asian cinema forward.
Masterclass Series Details
Venue
Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK
(4/F, 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR Austin Station, Exit E))
Schedule
AFA19 HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass: 15 March, 13:00
AFA19 JIA Zhangke Masterclass: 15 March, 15:30
AFA19 ZHANG Ziyi Masterclass & Awards Ceremony: 15 March, 18:00
● HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass: Presented in Korean with English & Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● JIA Zhangke Masterclass: Presented in Mandarin with English translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● ZHANG Ziyi Masterclass & Awards Ceremony: Presented in Mandarin with English translation; duration approximately 2 hours 15 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.
● One ticket per person. Valid admission tickets must be presented upon entry to the venue.
● Children under 6 are not admitted.
● Venue management reserves the right to deny entry to latecomers. Latecomers may only be admitted at an appropriate break.
● No smoking or eating.
● No unauthorised filming, photography, video, audio recording or use any form of recording of a visual image or sound is allowed.
● Ticket holders must comply with all other venue regulations.
● The Asian Film Awards Academy reserves the right to change the programme, guests in attendance, schedule, or seating arrangements/availability. Any changes may be made without prior notice.
Ticketing Information
First-Round Tickets go on sale from 10 February 11:00 via art-mate online ticketing platform*.
Limited Edition Special Package Ticket: Early Bird Discount HKD 380** (Original Price: HKD $480) (Includes 1 admission ticket + 1 limited-edition gift set)
Regular Ticket: HKD 160
Discount Ticket: HKD 80***
* Service fee will be charged by the art-mate online ticketing platform.
** Early Bird price valid until 28 February 2026. From 1 March 2026, tickets will be sold at the original price. The limited-edition gift set features exclusive commemorative items (collectible poster, postcards, enamel pin, etc.). Limited quantities available — while stocks last.
*** Concessionary tickets are available for full-time students and senior citizens aged 60 or above. Concession ticket holders must present valid proof of identity or age upon entry. Concession tickets for students and senior citizens are available in limited quantities and while stocks last. The concession applies to regular tickets only.
^ Seat selection is not available at the time of purchase. The ticketing system will automatically assign the best available seats. Programme details and seat numbers will be delivered three days prior to the event.
^^ Tickets can be reserved for wheelchair users by phone at 31950602 (Monday to Friday, 11:00-18:00) starting from the first counter sale day. No service fee will be charged and payment will be arranged accordingly.
Ticketing Links
Asian Film Awards Academy Official Webpage: www.afa-academy.com
AFA19 Programmes Ticketing Page: https://www.art-mate.net/AFA19
AFA19 HWANG Dong-hyuk Masterclass Ticketing Page: https://art-mate.net/doc/92306
AFA19 JIA Zhangke Masterclass Ticketing Page: https://art-mate.net/doc/92181
AFA19 ZHANG Ziyi Masterclass & Awards Ceremony Ticketing Page: https://art-mate.net/doc/92307
Ticketing & Programme Inquiries
art-mate Online Ticketing Platform: info@art-mate.net
Asian Film Awards Academy: info@afa-academy.com / 852-3195-0602
Note
ASIAN FILM AWARDS ACADEMY
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization, 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.
Our year-round events and programmes are held with the objectives to promote Asian films to a wider audience, expand the film market within Asia, and build and sustain connections among Hong Kong and international film professional. Masterclass Series – in conversation with filmmakers, Journey to the fest – Student Visit to International Film Festivals, Asian Cinerama – Film Roadshow, and Young Film Professionals Programme – overseas training and work-placement, are examples of our year-round programmes. These programmes couldn’t have held successfully without the financial support of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and Film Development Fund of the HKSAR Government. AFAA has worked to promote, educate, inform and develop knowledge, skills and interest in Asian cinema among the industry, students and audiences in Asia and beyond with the support of film festivals and cultural organizations.
CULTURAL AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES DEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CCIDAHK)
Under the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency (CCIDA) (formerly known as Create Hong Kong (CreateHK)) is a dedicated office, aiming to spearhead the development of cultural and creative industries in Hong Kong.
FILM DEVELOPMENT FUND
The Film Development Fund (FDF) was first set up by the Government in 1999 to support projects conducive to the long-term development of the film industry in Hong Kong, including: part-financing small-to-medium budget film productions; enhancing efforts to promote Hong Kong films in the Mainland and overseas; enhancing initiatives to train talents in various aspects of film production and distribution; and enhancing the interest and appreciation of Hong Kong films by the local audience.
