AFA 17: Press Conference Sets the Stage for Asian Cinema’s Biggest Night on 10 March
Inside the 17th Asian Film Awards Press Conference; Celebrating Excellence in Asian Cinema on 10 March.
The 17th Asian Film Awards (AFA) is officially underway! On January 12th, the press conference was successfully held at The Langham, revealing details about the highly anticipated industry event, including its list of nominations. This star-studded event brought together over 100 members of the film industry and media, eagerly awaiting the announcement of the Awards Ceremony, which is scheduled to be held at Xiqu Centre of the West Kowloon Cultural District on March 10th.
The conference began with the unveiling of the key visual for this year’s Awards Ceremony. Inspired by the theme “Together We Tell Story,” the visual captures the diversity of stories shared by filmmakers from across Asia, each of them drawing from their unique experiences. By showcasing a spectrum of colours as light shines through different parts of the AFA trophy, the key visual symbolises the exposure to the brilliance of exceptional Asian films that the Awards brings to the rest of the world.
This year’s press conference brought together esteemed individuals within the industry, including Dr. Wilfred WONG, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society (HKIFFS), Mr. Gary MAK, Assistant Head of Create Hong Kong and Secretary-General of the Film Development Council, Mr. Fred WANG, Board Member of the Asian Film Awards Academy, and Josie LIN, Executive Director of the Asian Film Awards Academy. The Academy is also honoured to have invited six emerging local actors and actresses to announce the nominees for this year’s awards, including (in alphabetical order) Mr. Peter CHAN, Ms. Jessica CHAN, Mr. Kevin CHU, Mr. MAK Pui Tung, Mr. Adam PAK, Ms. Mandy TAM, and all of whom aptly represent the ongoing vitality of Hong Kong’s film industry.
As this year marks the 17th rendition of the Awards, Dr. Wilfred WONG, GBM, GBS, JP, Chairman of the Asian Film Awards Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, expressed, “Our goal is to establish a platform for the exchange of ideas in Asian and global cinema, and we are dedicated to enhancing the profile and production standards of Asian films. We would greatly appreciate your support going forward, and we warmly invite everyone to join us at the 17th Asian Film Awards Ceremony on 10th March.”
This year, the Academy is privileged to have renowned Japanese director KUROSAWA Kiyoshi serve as the jury president. Despite being unable to attend the conference in person, director KUROSAWA dropped by through a video. Regarding his new role as the jury president, he stated, “I am extremely honored to have received this prestigious role.”
Aside from Director KUROSAWA, our four Youth Ambassadors have also made an appearance via video. This year, the Academy appointed four actors from different regions in Asia as its youth ambassadors, including Mr. LIU Kuan-Ting from Taiwan, Mr. Mario MAURER from Thailand, Mr. MIYAZAWA Hio from Japan and Mr. Will OR from Hong Kong. They represent the inseparable bonds between the film industries in various Asian regions, uniting filmmakers of different generations to promote Asian cinema to global audiences. As the representative from Hong Kong, Will OR commented, “I’m thrilled to serve as the Youth Ambassador for the 17th Asian Film Award, and I am looking forward to meeting different Asian filmmakers. It is an honour to me.”
The press conference featured delightful moments and interactions. Both Peter CHAN and MAK Pui Tung were nominated for Best Newcomer at the Asian Film Awards, with MAK bringing home the trophy at last year’s ceremony. They shared a humorous exchange attributing their popularity to their ‘weird appearances’, and MAK stated that his dream was to become an actress like Michelle Yeoh, eliciting a round of laughter from the audience. The pair also encouraged aspiring actors to “persistently explore their potential and never give up”. They also asserted that “by wholeheartedly dedicating oneself to their craft, aspiring actors will one day become the exceptional performers that they once looked up to.” Jessica CHAN, Kevin CHU, Adam PAK and Mandy TAM also shared their experiences in various productions, highlighting the importance and diversity of different roles within the industry.
The press conference concluded with a celebratory toast to the success of the 17th Asian Film Awards, receiving enthusiastic cheers from the audience. The Academy will kick off the awards season with an array of exciting events over the following months, including the “Asian Cinerama”, a series of screenings of selected shortlisted films in collaboration with Broadway Cinematheque, as well as a variety of sharing sessions and talks with renowned filmmakers. Not only will the audience be able to enjoy the shortlisted films on the silver screen ahead of the awards ceremony, but also to engage with acclaimed filmmakers and our four Youth Ambassadors. Cinephiles, don’t miss this invaluable chance to be part of the most prestigious annual event in Asian cinema! See you all on March 10 for the 17th Asian Film Awards Ceremony!
The 17th Asian Film Awards Ceremony
Date: 10 March 2024 (Sunday)
Location: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
Address: 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Asian Films Awards Academy
The Asian Films Awards Academy, a non-profit organisation, 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.
The Asian Film Awards was inaugurated in 2007, where members of AFAA are drawn from its past nominees and winners. The category of awards includes Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress. Members vote for the Asian Film Awards and participate in various AFAA activities involving film professionals and audiences in Asia and around the world.
Please contact us if any questions,
Email: info@afa-academy.com
Tel: +852 3195 0609
Website: www.afa-academy.com
