The 19th edition of the Asian Film Awards is going big on ideas — and even bigger on names.
The Asian Film Awards Academy (AFAA) has unveiled a high-profile masterclass lineup featuring Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk, celebrated Chinese auteur Jia Zhangke, and international screen icon Zhang Ziyi.
The event will take place on March 15 at the Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre in Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui district, turning the spotlight firmly on Asian cinema’s creative forces.
🎬 A Thoughtful, Scaled-Back Edition
Organized by the Asian Film Awards Academy — a non-profit founded by the Busan, Hong Kong, and Tokyo international film festivals — the ceremony this year carries a more reflective tone.
Following last year’s tragic Hong Kong fire that claimed over 150 lives, the academy announced it would suspend all competitive award categories. Instead, the 19th edition will present only special honors in what it describes as a “dignified and minimalist” format, aligning with Hong Kong government guidance for restrained public events.
While the awards may be scaled back, the conversations promise depth.
🎥 Hwang Dong-hyuk: From Social Drama to Global Phenomenon
Hwang’s session will explore his long creative journey — from socially charged films like Silenced to commercial comedy Miss Granny, and ultimately to the global juggernaut Squid Game.
His masterclass is expected to unpack how childhood games became metaphors for class inequality and survival, and how years of persistence finally culminated in a series that reshaped streaming history.
For filmmakers and aspiring creators, this is likely to be one of the most anticipated conversations of the event.
🎞️ Jia Zhangke: Chronicler of a Changing China
Jia Zhangke, known for understated realism in films like Pickpocket, Platform, and Still Life, will delve into his creative philosophy.
A frequent presence at Venice, Cannes, and Berlin film festivals, Jia has spent decades capturing everyday lives amid China’s rapid transformation. His masterclass is expected to focus on auteur filmmaking, realism, and the quiet power of observation.
🌟 Zhang Ziyi: Crafting Characters for the Global Stage
Zhang Ziyi’s session — held in conjunction with the awards ceremony — will spotlight her approach to character-building and her efforts to expand narrative space for Chinese actors internationally.
The actress, known globally for performances in Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, The Grandmaster, and Jasmine Women, has also served as a juror at major global festivals.
Her insights are expected to bridge performance craft and international storytelling.
🌱 Spotlight on the Next Generation
The academy also introduced three Youth Ambassadors:
- Phiravich Attachitsataporn (Mean)
- Natalie Hsu
- Kent Tsai
The trio will attend the ceremony, symbolizing the next wave of Asian talent shaping the industry’s future.
🎯 More Than Just Awards
Since 2023, the Asian Film Awards’ expanded programming — including screenings and industry talks — has drawn strong response from cinephiles and professionals alike. This year’s edition will also feature Asian Cinerama and In Conversation sessions, with more details to follow.
Final Words
Even without competitive trophies, the 19th Asian Film Awards feels rich in purpose. By centering masterclasses around creators like Hwang Dong-hyuk, Jia Zhangke, and Zhang Ziyi, the academy is shifting focus from competition to conversation.
And in a year marked by reflection, that might be exactly what cinema needs — not just applause, but perspective.
