A Stellar Year: Highlights of Asian Film Awards Academy Events
This year, the Asian Film Awards Academy organised a series of events, including Asian Cinerama and masterclasses. Reflect with us on this remarkable year and celebrate the enduring brilliance of Asian cinema!
From the 17th Asian Film Awards held earlier this year to the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation” touring across Asia, the Asian Film Awards Academy has collaborated with filmmakers from around the globe to elevate Asian cinema to the international spotlight.
Film Screenings – Showcasing Asian Cinema on the Global Stage
In 2024, the Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) organised 78 captivating screening events, attracting over 10,000 moviegoers. Our highlight programme, the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation”, showcase the vibrancy of Hong Kong cinema to diverse audiences across the region, including Singapore, Dubai, Malaysia, Thailand, Bali, and Cambodia. Meanwhile, the “Asian Cinerama” series curated a selection of Asian classics and contemporary masterpieces, offering Hong Kong audiences a dynamic perspective on the vibrancy of Asian filmmaking. This year, the AFAA also collaborated with Jakarta Film Week for the first time, screening Hong Kong films and shorts. The effort further expanded collaborations with other organisations to promote Asian cinema.
Post-Screening Q&As – Bridging Cultures with International Audiences
AFAA hosted a total of 30 engaging post-screening Q&As this year, giving audiences a rare opportunity to interact directly with directors and actors. As part of the Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation, Hong Kong filmmakers pled abroad to meet fans, including actor Kenny WONG of “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”, director Anselm CHAN of “The Last Dance”, director Sasha CHUK of “Fly Me to the Moon”, as well as director Herbert LEUNG and screenwriter Anastasia TSANG of “Stuntman”. They shared their creative processes and behind-the-scenes stories, highlighting the allure of Hong Kong cinema.
AFAA also inviting renowned international filmmakers to participate in post-screening Q&As for the “Asian Cinerama” series. Esteemed guests included Japanese director Hirokazu KORE-EDA, screenwriter Yuji SAKAMOTO, and Chinese actress JIANG Qinqin, offering local audiences a richer understanding of the diverse cinematic traditions across Asia.
Exhibition Events – Immersing Audiences in Iconic Film Scenes
During the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation”, the AFAA curated four distinctive exhibitions in Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia. These exhibitions brought iconic cinematic moments to life, including the gold vault from “The Goldfinger” and the urban landscapes of “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In”. These exhibitions provided an immersive journey into the visual artistry of Hong Kong cinema. Among all, the promotional exhibition and activity booth set up in Singapore attracted over 220,000 visitors, marking an unprecedented success.
Forums and Talks – Promoting Hong Kong Cinema
The AFAA successfully organised 21 impactful forums and sharing sessions, including the “In Conversation with Asian Filmmakers” series, which featured six in-depth discussions held during the 17th Asian Film Awards. These discussions brought together Asia’s leading actors, emerging directors, cinematographers, and production designers, creating opportunities for meaningful creative exchange. As part of the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation”, distinguished Hong Kong filmmakers visited campuses across various regions to share their experiences and inspire students to pursue their dreams. Furthermore, the Asian Film Forum invited local filmmakers and producers to engage with Hong Kong filmmakers in discussions on the opportunities and challenges of the film market, which established a vital platform for dialogue and collaboration in the Asian cinema industry.
Industry Events – Gatherings for Filmmakers Across Cultures
Beyond screenings and sharing sessions, AFAA hosted 20 industry-focused events, including the opening reception and networking luncheons for the “Hong Kong Film Gala Presentation”, as well as the “Hong Kong Night” at the Busan International Film Festival. These gatherings fostered a welcoming environment for filmmakers from diverse cultural and professional backgrounds to connect, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities for future collaborations.
Masterclasses – Inspiring Creative Excellence
AFAA strives to nurture filmmaking talent and hosted eight masterclasses this year. Highlights included a profound dialogue between directors Kiyoshi Kurosawa and Fruit Chan during the 17th Asian Film Awards, as well as insightful sessions led by Mabel Cheung and Yau Nai Hoi at the International Film Camp. Masterclasses at the Singapore Chinese Film Festival, Tokyo International Film Festival, and Busan International Film Festival, which featured veteran filmmaker such as Sammo Hung, offered aspiring filmmakers and industry professionals valuable learning opportunities.
The Asian Film Awards Academy successfully organized a variety of events to promote Asian cinematic excellence this year. Looking ahead, AFAA is committed to hosting more exciting programs that will showcase the brilliance of Asian cinema in new regions. Stay tuned!
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
