19th Asian Film Awards Featured Programme
AFA19 programme features eight Hong Kong premieres, Q&As with Asian film talents, and In Conversation with worldclass filmmakers.
Following the recent announcement of the Masterclass event with world-renowned as Director ZHANG Jiangke, actress ZHANG Ziyi and director HWANG Dong-hyuk, the Academy is thrilled to unveil two more highly anticipated events! Taking place in 14 to 22 March, Asian Cinerama, themed as “Us, in Cinema” and In Conversation with four in-depth panel discussions featuring world-class filmmakers. Tickets to the events would be available from 27 February, 12pm, via Broadway Circuit and the art-mate online ticketing platform respectively. In Conversation offers free admission upon reservation. Limited seats available while spot lasts.
With the theme as “Us, in Cinema”, Asian Cinerama features 11 movie titles from seven different Asian regions, including eight Hong Kong premieres. Honouring the art of the big screen, the programme presents Asian cinema stories from four perspectives. Q&A sessions will be held at selected screenings with talents from different regions, for example, the lead actor of BOSS, Korean actor JUNG Kyung-ho from Hospital Playlist, director Leon Le of Ky Nam Inn and director LAU Kek-Huat of The Waves Will Carry Us.
Furthermore, In Conversation features four in-depth panel discussions beyond the frame, drilling into the art of filmmaking. From acting, to directing and editing, audience would be able to share fruitful discussions with world-class filmmakers: Actor-on-actor with Korean actor JUNG Kyung-ho and Hong Kong actor Power CHAN; actress-on-actress with Taiwanese actress-musician 9m88 and Hong Kong actress Angela YUEN; director-on-director with Left-Handed Girl’s TSOU Shih‑Ching and Ky Nam Inn’s Leon LE.
Asian Cinerama – Us, in Cinema, Paying tribute to the big screen
This year’s Asian Cinerama is themed “Us, in Cinema”. From four distinct perspectives, presenting eight outstanding Asian titles with their Hong Kong premiere, along with a special screening of a 4K-restored classic title. As cinema spaces become increasingly precious, the Academy hopes to celebrate the irreplaceable role of the movie theatre—where we shared laughers and tears with loved ones and strangers. The impact of the big screen and the collective experience it creates remain unmatched.
Four categories x 11 featured titles
A Multiverse of Black Comedy
From South Korea, Taiwan, and Tajikistan come BOSS, The Waves Will Carry Us, and Black Rabbit, White Rabbit. Across three countries and languages, these films use absurdity and humour to express the helplessness of individuals confronting systems and fate. BOSS subverts the gangster genre, turning a power struggle into a dream‑chasing farce; The Waves Will Carry Us revisits the historic oppression of conservatism, a Chinese family experiences a series of absurd yet comical hardships which tells their story of human dignity; and Black Rabbit, White Rabbit constructs a labyrinth of fate through its long‑take storytelling.
Emotional Landscapes
With a focus on the mundane day-to-day, Number One and Ky Nam Inn share a steady but tender pace in storytelling, making it the best to be enjoyed in the immersive theatre experience. Number One starred the mother-son duo from Parasite, navigating the struggle of family with a whimsical twist in storytelling. Ky Nam Inn was shot with 35mm film, giving it a distinctive sense of artistry which resembles greatly with WONG Kar Wai’s aesthetic.
Emerging Perspectives
Depicting the self-discovery journey of young girls against stress and tension, Girl on Edge and Sore: Wife from the Future tell a moving story of two girls retrieving their sense of self through ice-skating and reincarnation respectively, the later had over 3 million local admissions in Indonesia. They depicted the emotional of confusion in self-doubt with the simmering strength in breaking through limitations and constraints from family and the society.
Across the Eras
Special screening features Goodbye, Dragon Inn (4K-restored), Left-Handed Girl, and The Fortress, showing the changes in the art of film across eras. Goodbye, Dragon Inn was a love letter to cinema, Left-Handed Girl told a story of growth from a children perspective, while The Fortress asked a question echoes through time – in the midst of war, are there any real winners?
In Conversation: a discussion across time and artistry
Apart from screening on the big screen, the program also features In Conversation, with four in-depth penal discussions with world-class filmmakers across different fields and artistic realm to compose the art of filmmaking. It is taking place from 14th March to 20th March at Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK and PREMIERE ELEMENTS.
Reframing the Girl on Screen
Taiwanese actor 9m88 x Hong Kong actor Angela YUEN
We invite cross‑disciplinary creators Angela YUEN and 9m88 to share the stage in conversation. Beginning their careers in modelling and music respectively, both have ventured into the world of cinema. When popular labels and market expectations are placed upon them, how do actors redefine the question of “Who am I”? And how do female creators carve out greater freedom within the Asian film industry?
Local Stories, Global Voices
Left-Handed Girl’s TSOU Shih-Ching x Ky Nam Inn’s Leon Le
Director TSOU Shih-Ching —the first Taiwanese female filmmaker to be selected for the Academy Award for Best International Feature with Left-Handed Girl —also a longtime Sean Baker collaborator will appear in conversation with Leon Le, director of Ky Nam Inn. Despite the dazzling global film landscape, both directors continue to develop projects rooted in their local communities, dedicating their craft to portraying the lives and struggles of everyday people.
Beyond the Ordinary Roles
Korean actor JO Woo-jin x Hong Kong actor Power CHAN
What kind of chemistry emerges when the secretary KIM from Guardian: The Lonely and Great God meets the strategist LI Si from Back to the Past? Across their many works, they have each crafted such unforgettable characters that have spoken to generations of audience. This special session, moderated by Power CHAN, brings JO Woo-jin into an in‑depth conversation, unfolding the tender and moving moments of acting that resonate with audiences. Together, they will guide audience into the creative thinking and nuances behind these memorable performances.
The Rhythm of Cinema
Editor Matthieu LACLAU x editor David RICHARDSON
Both LACLAU and RICHARDSON have been working with some of the biggest names, like JIA Zhangke and Johnnie To, for decades. From drama to documentary, they would be unfolding the art of editing where they have been conducting the rhythm for cinema which have spoken to the hearts of many audiences.
Asian Cinerama Screening Information
Venue
Broadway Cinematheque (BC: 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei (MTR Yau Ma Tei Station, Exit C))
PREMIERE ELEMENTS (PE: 2130, 2/F, Fire, ELEMENTS, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon (MTR Kowloon Station, Exit C1))
Screening Schedule
14 March 15:00 (PE)：Number One *Post-screening talk: Director KIM Tae-yong
14 March 16:45 (PE)：She’s Got No Name
14 March 19:20 (BC)：The Waves Will Carry Us *Post-screening talk: Director LAU Kek-Huat
15 March 18:30 (BC)：Ky Nam Inn *Post-screening talk: Director Leon LE
15 March 19:00 (BC)：Left-Handed Girl *Post-screening talk: Director TSOU Shih-Ching
16 March 19:00 (BC)：The Fortress *Post-screening talk: Director HWANG Dong-hyuk, Producer KIM Ji-yeon
17 March 19:15 (BC)：Girl on Edge *Post-screening talk: Director ZHOU Jinghao, Producer WANG Yang
18 March 19:10 (PE)：BOSS *Post-screening talk: Actors JUNG Kyung-ho, JO Woo-jin
21 March 16:40 (BC)：Black Rabbit, White Rabbit
22 March 13:30 (BC)：Sore: Wife from the Future
22 March 15:45 (BC)：Goodbye, Dragon Inn
● The Asian Film Awards Academy and Broadway Cinematheque reserve the right to change the program, guests in attendance, schedule, or seating arrangements/availability. Any changes may be made without prior notice.
● Please refer to the official website and social media platforms of the Asian Film Awards Academy and Broadway Cinematheque for the latest updates.
● At the time of publication of this promotional material, films featured in this programme have not yet been rated by the Office for Film, Newspaper and Article Administration. Should any film be rated Category III, the announcement will be made by the cinema and on the ticketing website www.cinema.com.hk. Please stay informed.
Ticketing Information
Tickets will be available from 12pm, 27 February, for public sale via the Broadway Circuit online ticketing platform or at the box office of respective cinemas.
General: HK$95 (BC)、HK$110 (PE)
Member: HK$76 (BC)、HK$93 (PE)**
Discounted: HK$75***
* A service charge applies to purchase made via the Broadway Circuit online ticketing platform.
** bcinephile members are entitled to enjoy members’ ticket prices.
*** Senior citizens aged 60 or above, children, and full‑time students are entitled to enjoy the discounted ticket prices. Valid proof of identity or age must be presented upon admission. Concessions apply to regular-priced tickets only.
^ Complimentary ticket and VIP complimentary ticket of Broadway Circuit are not applicable to screenings under this program. All offers are subject to the relevant terms and conditions. In the event of any dispute, the Asian Film Awards Academy and Broadway Cinematheque reserve the right of final decision.
Ticketing Link
The Asian Film Awards Academy Official Website: www.afa-academy.com
Asian Cinerama Ticketing site: www.cinema.com.hk
Ticketing and Program Enquiries
Broadway Cinematheque : info@cinema.com.hk / 2783 7004
Asian Film Awards Academy: info@afa-academy.com / 3195 0602
In Conversation – Event Information
Venue
Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, WestK (TH: 88 Austin Rd W, Tsim Sha Tsui (MTR Austin Station, Exit E))
PREMIERE ELEMENTS (PE: 2130, 2/F, Fire, ELEMENTS, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon (MTR Kowloon Station, Exit C1))
Schedule
14 March 4PM (TH): The Rhythm of Cinema
14 March 8PM (TH): Local Stories, Global Voices
17 March (Time to be confirmed) (TH): Beyond the Ordinary Roles
20 March 8PM (PE): Reframing the Girl on Screen
● “The Rhythm of Cinema” In Conversation: Presented in English, with Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● “Local Stories, Global Voices” In Conversation: Presented in English with Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● “Beyond the Ordinary Roles” In Conversation: Presented in Korean and Cantonese with Cantonese translation; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● “Reframing the Girl on Screen” In Conversation: Presented in Mandarin; duration approximately 1 hour 30 minutes.
● One ticket per person. Valid admission tickets must be presented upon entry to the venue.
● Children under 6 are not admitted.
● 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
Tickets will be available for free booking** from 12pm, 27 February, via the art-mate* online ticketing platform.
* Service fee will be charged by the art-mate online ticketing platform.
** A deposit of HK$100 is required for registration and is refundable in full after attendance within 6 to 8 weeks upon completion of the event. (The time it takes for the refund to be credited may vary depending on the bank) Deposit is non-refundable upon absent to the event.
** Venue management reserves the right to deny entry to latecomers. Audience may lose the reserved seats upon late entry of 15 minutes after the scheduled showtime.
^ This is a free-seating event. Designated seats reserved for industry and media representatives.
^^ Venue management reserves the right to deny late entry and allow entry for audience in the waiting queue.
Ticketing Link
The Asian Film Awards Academy Official Website: www.afa-academy.com
19th Asian Film Awards Feature Program – Ticketing site: https://www.art-mate.net/AFA19
Ticketing and Program Enquiries
art-mate online ticketing platform: info@art-mate.net
Asian Film Awards Academy: info@afa-academy.com / 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.
