The Asian Film Awards Academy has unveiled a star-studded lineup for its 19th edition, announcing three major masterclass events featuring Hwang Dong-hyuk, the creator of Netflix’s global phenomenon “Squid Game,” renowned Chinese director Jia Zhangke, and top actor Zhang Ziyi. Presented by AFAA and supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency and the Film Development Fund, the program will take place on March 15 at the Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district. The masterclasses will span acting, auteur filmmaking, and series creation, inviting audiences to explore contemporary cinema from multiple perspectives.
The Asian Film Awards Academy, a non-profit organization founded by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo international film festivals, aims to celebrate excellence in Asian cinema while promoting and recognizing Asian films and talent. In light of last year’s devastating Hong Kong fire that claimed more than 150 lives, the academy announced that it would suspend all competitive award categories for this year’s ceremony, presenting only special honors in a “dignified and minimalist manner.” This revised format aligns with Hong Kong government guidance for restrained public events following the tragedy.
Hwang’s masterclass will explore his creative journey from social dramas like “Silenced” to the comedy “Miss Granny,” examining how years of persistence culminated in “Squid Game,” which transformed childhood games into themes of class and survival that resonated globally. Jia, known for his understated realism in films including “Pickpocket,” “Platform” and “Still Life,” will discuss his creative philosophy. The director, a regular presence at Venice, Cannes, and Berlin film festivals, has spent decades capturing lives in a changing China.
Zhang’s session, combined with the awards ceremony, will focus on her approach to character-building and expanding narrative space for Chinese actors on the world stage. Known for her performances in “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon,” “The Grandmaster” and “Jasmine Women,” Zhang has also served as a juror at major film festivals.
AFAA also unveiled three Youth Ambassadors: Thai actor Phiravich Attachitsataporn (Mean), Hong Kong’s Natalie Hsu, and Taiwan’s Kent Tsai. The emerging Asian actors from different regions will attend the awards ceremony, highlighting new energy shaping Asian cinema’s future.
Since 2023, the Asian Film Awards’ featured programs have received enthusiastic response, with screenings and talks drawing strong interest. This year’s lineup will also include Asian Cinerama and In Conversation events, with further details to be announced.
